Sunbeth Energies Limited has launched Nigeria's first self-service filling station at its Ogba outlet in Lagos, allowing motorists to pump their own fuel without the assistance of station attendants. The new digital platform gives customers full control over their purchase, from selecting the fuel type and making payment to monitoring in real time exactly how many litres flow into their tank.
Nigeria's First Self-Service Filling Station Unveiled in Lagos
The system was developed in partnership with Tech Brokers Limited, a Nigerian technology company focused on digital transformation, according to reports by The Cable. The platform integrates forecourt automation with secure payment systems and supports multiple payment channels and forecourt technologies, with capacity for future upgrades. Sunbeth Energies stated that the goal is to bring more transparency and accountability to fuel purchases, a process that has traditionally been handled entirely by station workers.
How the Digital Fuelling Platform Works
Motorists using the Ogba station can independently choose their desired fuel grade, complete payment through the integrated system, and view the exact volume dispensed in real time. This eliminates the uncertainty often associated with attendant-mediated transactions. To ensure a smooth transition, Sunbeth Energies said trained personnel will be stationed at the outlet to guide customers through the process and provide support as needed.
Partnership with Tech Brokers Limited
Lateef Abioye, Managing Director of Sunbeth Energies, described the launch as a turning point for Nigeria's fuel retail market. 'Today is a defining moment not only for Sunbeth Energies but also for Nigeria's downstream petroleum industry. By launching Nigeria's first self-service fuel station, we are introducing a new standard of transparency, convenience and customer empowerment. Every customer deserves to know exactly what they are paying for, and this innovation gives them that confidence,' Abioye said.
Wasiu Popoola, Chief Executive Officer of Tech Brokers Limited, noted that the collaboration demonstrates the capability of Nigerian companies to develop and deploy world-class digital solutions locally. He emphasized that the platform was built to work with virtually every payment method and forecourt technology currently in use, while remaining flexible for future advancements. BusinessDay reported Popoola's comments, highlighting that the launch marks a customer-focused shift in Nigeria's downstream oil and gas sector.
Early User Feedback and Support
An early user described the experience as straightforward, quick, and reassuring. The ability to track each litre dispensed in real time removed the doubt that often accompanies fuel purchases, the user said. Sunbeth Energies plans to expand the self-service model across its retail network, starting with the Ogba station as the first phase of a wider rollout that includes connected filling stations featuring digital payments, automation, and data-driven insights.
Broader Impact on Fuel Retail
The introduction of self-service fuel stations aligns with global trends in retail fuel dispensing, where customers take an active role in transactions. This innovation could enhance operational efficiency for station owners while reducing labour costs. However, it also requires a reliable payment infrastructure and customer education. Sunbeth Energies’ partnership with Tech Brokers ensures the platform is built on robust local technology, potentially paving the way for other Nigerian fuel retailers to adopt similar systems.
Recent Fuel Price Adjustments by NNPCL
In related developments, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The price cut came three days after Dangote Refinery slashed its petrol gantry price by N85, bringing it to N1,200 per litre from N1,285 per litre. Following this adjustment, NNPCL retail outlets sold petrol at N1,255 per litre, down from N1,330 per litre—a reduction of N75. This price change was reported by Legit.ng, authored by Senior Business Editor Dave Ibemere.
