How Auwalu Rano is Rewriting Nigeria’s Oil Story

The future of filling fuel tanks in Nigeria might not involve talking to anyone at all. The first fully automated, unmanned fuel stations are set to begin operations in January 2026.

They are the brainchild of AA Rano Nigeria, the downstream petroleum giant founded by Auwalu Rano. The company, which began as a small fuel marketing operation in Kano in 1994, has partnered with the Nigerian tech firm Petrosoft to make it happen.

This technological pivot is significant. Petrosoft’s SmartPump platform will allow for 24-hour, self-service refuelling with contactless payment. The system promises a new level of fidelity for customers, ensuring they get the exact volume of fuel they pay for.

According to company executives, the move is a direct response to market demands. “Customers want convenience and trust,” said Mohammed Sule, AA Rano’s retail general manager. Automation aims to reduce losses, improve transparency, and meet changing consumer mores.

The project reflects a broader ambit for the Rano group. Beyond its network of over 200 retail stations, the company has invested in a major Lagos tank farm, an LPG terminal, and logistics. It is a fully integrated player.

This automation drive also highlights a growing synergy between Nigeria’s industrial and tech sectors. Petrosoft’s CEO, Joshua Denila, stressed their systems are “developed locally and built to international standards,” solving a long-standing retail challenge.

Rano’s journey is itself a notable parable. He built his empire from the ground up in the North, expanding into aviation and agriculture. His foundation now runs social development programs nationwide.

For decades, Nigeria’s oil story has been about crude in the ground and queues at the pump. Rano is subtly shifting the narrative to one about smart technology, customer trust, and logistical control. The most revolutionary part of the operation may soon be the silent, unattended pump where Nigerians serve themselves.