As AA Rano announced plans to install what it calls the nation’s first fully automated and unmanned fuel stations, technology has once again infiltrated Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, despite the initiative’s strong opposition from gas station employees.
The development is the result of a collaboration between Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology company that specialises in downstream oil and gas business management systems, and AA Rano, one of the top downstream petroleum marketing companies in Nigeria.
Petrosoft will install completely automated, unmanned gas stations throughout AA Rano’s countrywide network as part of the partnership. The innovative project is set to launch in January 2026 and is anticipated to be a significant turning point in Nigeria’s energy retail industry’s digital transformation.
By introducing 24/7 self-service operations, removing human error, and guaranteeing 100% transparency in every litre dispensed through real-time monitoring and contactless payment platforms, AA Rano claims that the automated stations will completely transform the fueling experience.
Petrosoft Limited, will use its exclusive SmartPump technology to power the facilities. The solutions will cover every aspect of fuel management, such as corporate fuel management systems with automated vehicle identification for fleet operators, retail automation that allows self-service refuelling and real-time dispenser control, and advanced inventory and tank monitoring using Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) and cloud-based platforms to stop fuel theft, track leaks, and optimise stock levels, BrandSpur Nigeria news reports.
According to Mr. Mohammed Sule, General Manager, Retail at AA Rano, the project demonstrates the business’ dedication to operational excellence and innovation. He revealed: “Our commitment to excellence and innovation led us to Petrosoft. By introducing unmanned, automated stations, we are not just adopting technology; we are setting a new standard for reliability and speed in the Nigerian downstream sector. This project ensures our customers can fuel up at any time with total confidence.”
Similarly, Petrosoft’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Joshua Denila, described the collaboration as historic, noting that the solutions are locally developed but meet global standards for IoT and automation.
He said: “We are proud to partner with AA RANO on this historic project. Our solutions are 100% locally developed but meet global standards for IoT and automation. From retail outlets to large-scale corporate fueling hubs, Petrosoft’s mission is to eliminate inefficiencies and maximise profitability for operators while giving the end-user a world-class experience.”
Continuing, under the auspices of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, the announcement has caused anxiety among gas station employees, who have opposed the plan, stating that it could exacerbate unemployment and insecurity if it is carried out without sufficient safeguards.
Comrade Ibrahim Zango, the group’s convener and rights advocate, responded to the rollout plan by stating that many young Nigerians who are currently working as gas station attendants run the risk of losing their jobs. He contended in a statement released in Kaduna that the initiative’s timing was incorrect in light of the nation’s ongoing economic difficulties.
The Comrade had this to say: “At a time when Nigeria is already grappling with mass unemployment, rising cost of living, and growing insecurity, deploying job-eliminating technology without safeguards is dangerous,” stressing that thousands of families depend on income from petrol station jobs.
Zango emphasised that innovation shouldn’t come at the expense of workers’ welfare, even though he acknowledged the significance of technological advancement. He called on AA Rano’s management to consult with employees prior to implementation and urged the Federal Government and pertinent regulatory bodies to create explicit policies that strike a balance between labour protection and technological advancement.
He stated: “They should not be pushed out of their livelihoods in the name of innovation.”
He added that rather than eradicating current opportunities, automation in the downstream petroleum sector should be planned to generate new ones.
