Auwalu Rano: The Oil Mogul With New Innovation
Auwalu Rano, widely recognised as AA Rano, entered the oil and gas sector in 1994, laying the groundwork for what would later become a significant business venture with formal incorporation in 2002.
Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the energy landscape of Nigeria, operating more than 200 retail outlets supported by an extensive fleet of over 600 trucks. The company, headquartered in Kano, has developed a comprehensive presence across the oil and gas value chain, encompassing distribution, marketing, logistics, and trading.
One of Rano’s notable recent investments includes a state-of-the-art 60-million-litre tank farm located in Lagos, alongside a substantial 20,000-metric-ton LPG facility that is supported by a newly acquired vessel.
These developments highlight his commitment to expanding his company’s infrastructure and enhancing its service capabilities.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Rano is dedicated to social development initiatives. Through the A.A. Rano Foundation, he actively supports education, healthcare, and youth-focused programmes across Nigeria, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
In a bold step aimed at revolutionising the oil and gas retail sector, AA Rano has unveiled plans to launch Nigeria’s first fully automated, unmanned fuel stations. This initiative represents a significant shift in the downstream petroleum market, fundamentally transforming how motorists purchase fuel and how operators manage retail outlets.
The new automated stations will operate 24/7, offering self-service fueling supported by advanced Artificial Intelligence-driven digital controls and remote monitoring capabilities.
The implementation of this pioneering project is a result of a strategic partnership with Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology firm renowned for developing innovative management systems tailored for the oil and gas industry. Under this agreement, Petrosoft will deploy its cutting-edge automated station technology across AA Rano’s retail network nationwide, with operations anticipated to commence in January 2026.
The forward-thinking technology allows customers to refuel, make contactless payments, and complete transactions without the need for attendants, thereby enhancing convenience for consumers.
Rano emphasises that this technological advancement is designed to minimise losses, bolster transparency, and provide reassurance to customers, ensuring they receive the exact volume of fuel they are paying for.
The SmartPump platform will seamlessly integrate retail automation, inventory tracking, and corporate fuel management systems, facilitating self-service refuelling, fleet vehicle identification, and real-time dispenser control.
Additionally, the system will include tank gauging and cloud monitoring technologies to effectively track fuel levels, detect leaks, and prevent theft, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive market.
