Powering Nigeria’s Future: NNPC Partners Deploy Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Nationwide

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), in collaboration with Shafa Energy and Nigus, initiated the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging points at filling stations across Nigeria.

This significant step was marked by a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed during the launch ceremony at an A.Y.M Shafa filling station in Abuja, where an EV charging station was demonstrated.

Kanayo Odoe, Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), explained the roles of the partners in this initiative. Nigus, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), supplies the charging equipment, while NNEL collaborates to distribute these installations. Shafa Energy provides the outlets for the deployment of the charging stations.

“What the partnership entails is this: we have the OEM, which is Nigus, there is NNPC New Energy Limited, and we are the non-operators in this case, working with Nigus to supply the equipment, which are the charging stations across the country,” Odoe stated.

A.Y.M Shafa petrol stations will host the charging equipment, which are powered by solar energy. Odoe emphasized the sustainability of this energy source, noting, “For as long as there is sunlight, we’ll have a generation of energy without looking for diesel or petrol. This is a straight source from God that we are utilizing.”

In addition to charging vehicles, the equipment can also power homes. “That equipment you are looking at now is about a 75KVA generator. So it can charge four homes where you have 15KVA and 20KVA generators,” Odoe explained.

NNEL plans to significantly expand the renewable energy footprint of the NNPC, aiming to establish a nationwide presence. “There’s going to be a lot of action by NNEL in the renewable energy space. This action will lead not only to electric vehicle recharging stations but also to lighten up Nigeria through solar,” he said.

The partnership will extend beyond Shafa filling stations to other outlets, including those operated by the NNPC retail subsidiary. “We are expanding beyond the North. Shafa Energy is not only in the North, it is also in the South. But again our sites are not exclusive to just Shafa Energy,” Odoe mentioned.

Yakubu Shafa, Chairman of Shafa Energy, pledged to deploy EV charging points and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) pumps across all A.Y.M Shafa filling stations nationwide. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to increase the use of alternative energy sources over traditional fuels like petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

“Our commitment to comply with the Federal Government’s initiative at Shafa Energy is not about competition, but for the good of the nation. The country should be considered first,” Shafa stated. He emphasized the importance of having alternatives to traditional white products, advocating for the use of CNG and electricity to support national energy goals.

By establishing EV charging points and promoting renewable energy, NNPC, Shafa Energy, and Nigus are paving the way for a more sustainable energy future in Nigeria. This initiative not only supports the government’s energy diversification efforts but also demonstrates a bold step towards reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.