How to Buy Petrol Without a Fuel Attendant in Nigeria

Buying petrol in Nigeria has traditionally involved driving into a filling station, telling an attendant how much fuel you need and waiting for the pump to dispense it.

However, a new system is changing that experience. Motorists can now initiate fuel purchases, make payments and monitor the quantity dispensed without relying on an attendant to operate the pump.

The system is known as self-service fuelling. Sunbeth Energies Limited introduced a digital version at its Ogba outlet in Lagos in July 2026. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has also introduced a smart self-service station in Abuja.

But how does the process work, and what should motorists know before trying it? Here are the essential details.

A self-service filling station allows motorists to dispense fuel themselves rather than depending on an attendant to handle the pump.

The system uses digital technology to manage fuel purchases. Depending on the station, customers can select the quantity they want, make payments electronically and activate a pump to dispense the fuel.

The technology also gives motorists greater control over the transaction. At Sunbeth Energies’ Lagos outlet, for example, customers can monitor the litres dispensed through an interactive interface.

This differs from the traditional arrangement, where an attendant usually operates the pump and handles the customer’s request.

NNPC’s self-service system uses its mobile application to help customers complete fuel purchases.

Motorists can follow these steps at participating stations.

Download the official NNPC Retail Fuel App through the company’s authorised channels. You will need access to the application to initiate your purchase.

Open the app and choose the fuel purchase option. Select the type of fuel you want to buy.

Check the available outlets and select a station that supports self-service. Look for the designated self-service indicator in the app.

Enter the amount you intend to spend. Review the displayed price and corresponding quantity before completing payment through your digital wallet.

After a successful payment, the application generates a digital receipt containing your order details and an eight-digit self-service code.

Step 6: Activate the pump and dispense your fuel.

At the selected pump, enter the code on the terminal and press the hash key. Once the system validates the transaction, follow the pump’s instructions to dispense the fuel you purchased.

These instructions apply to NNPC’s app-based system. Other operators may use different payment and pump activation procedures.

One of the main features of self-service fuelling is the ability to monitor a transaction more directly.

Sunbeth Energies’ platform allows customers to track the volume dispensed in real time. This gives motorists a clearer view of how much fuel enters their tanks during a purchase.

NNPC’s system also links payment to pump activation, allowing customers to purchase a specified quantity before dispensing it.

These features can improve transaction transparency. However, motorists should still check the amount paid, the displayed pump price and the quantity received.

Self-service does not necessarily mean a filling station operates without staff.

NNPC has said its smart stations will retain workers to assist customers and support other services. Sunbeth Energies has also deployed customer experience personnel at its Lagos outlet to guide motorists through the process.

This support can help first-time users who are unfamiliar with digital payments or pump activation.

Motorists who encounter difficulties should seek assistance from authorised station personnel rather than attempting to bypass the system.

Although the process can be straightforward, motorists should take a few precautions.

First, confirm that the station supports self-service before attempting to use the system. The feature may not be available at every outlet.

Second, check the displayed price and quantity before paying. Keep your digital receipt and transaction details in case you need to resolve a payment or dispensing problem.

Third, follow the instructions provided at the station. Do not activate a pump until the system confirms your purchase.

Finally, observe the station’s safety instructions while handling the nozzle and dispensing fuel. Avoid smoking, open flames and other activities that could ignite fuel vapour.

The recent developments suggest that self-service fuelling could become more common, although expansion will depend on the operators’ plans and the performance of the technology.

Sunbeth Energies introduced its platform at its Lagos outlet as the first phase of a broader digital transformation plan.

Meanwhile, NNPC commissioned its smart self-service station on Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja in September 2026. The facility combines fuel dispensing with other services, including electric vehicle charging and an automated car wash.

NNPC has also announced plans to roll out between 50 and 70 smart energy stations within six months, subject to the company’s implementation plans.

If the model expands successfully, motorists could have more opportunities to purchase fuel through digital systems rather than relying entirely on conventional attendant-operated pumps.

For now, customers should check which stations offer the service and familiarise themselves with each operator’s instructions before visiting.