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On Thursday 23 May 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Shafa Energy, and Nigus started installing electric vehicle charging stations at gas stations across the country.

During the flag-off event at an A.Y.M. Shafa filling station in Abuja, where an electric car charging station was erected and used to charge several autos, partners in the project signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding.

Details of the collaboration were provided by Kanayo Odoe, Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited, a division of the NNPC Group. He stated that although Nigus is the Original Equipment Manufacturer, NNEL is collaborating with Nigus to deliver the equipment, and Shafa Energy is providing the deployment outlet.

He claimed that NNEL would collaborate with other retail stations in Nigeria and that the project was also utilizing the locations run by NNPC Limited's retail subsidiary.

This is what the partnership consists of: Nigus, the OEM, and NNPC New Energy Limited, the non-operators in this instance, collaborate with Nigus to supply the equipment, which is the charging stations located throughout the nation. “The equipment for charging will be kept at the A.Y.M. Shafa gas stations. The charging stations, which are solar-powered electric charging stations, would be located at Shafa fueling stations.

We will therefore always have a source of energy without needing to search for gasoline or diesel because it is an endless supply of sunlight. We are using this directly from God, according to Odoe.

In addition, you can use this to power homes in addition to charging cars, he said. The apparatus you're currently viewing is roughly equivalent to a 75KVA generator. In light of this, four houses with 15 kW and 20 kW generators can be charged by it.

"However, it will be used to charge electric vehicles—motorcycles, tricycles, and other types of automobiles powered by electricity—at the filling stations."

He emphasized that NNEL will aggressively broaden the NNPC's renewable energy footprint and that the company would increase its presence across the country.

"NNEL plans to take significant action in the field of renewable energy. This will not only result in the installation of electric vehicle charging stations but also in the use of solar energy to illuminate Nigeria.

Now, this station may be used to charge homes in addition to cars. Therefore, in order to move more renewable energy, NNPC New Energy and its partners will expand at full speed," according to Odoe.

He stated that more outlets in the South would be included in the cooperation, not just Shafa filling stations.

Since sunshine is available throughout Nigeria, we will collaborate with our partners to find innovative ways to expand and provide our customers with more affordable, renewable energy sources. Our GCEO is completely in line with the President's wishes for us to carry out this mission.

"We are growing outside of the North. Shafa Energy is present not just in the North but also in the South. Again, though, Shafa Energy is not the only entity that can access our websites. We will be interacting with the NNPC retail stations as well as other filling stations.

"But the courage and foresight of A.Y.M. Shafa to take the chance and embrace the opportunity are what are responsible for this. In order to show Nigerians that this is feasible and that we too have that risk appetite, we ceased this moment right away. Nothing mysterious about it exists.

A.Y.M. Shafa filling stations around the nation will receive CNG pumps and electric vehicle charging stations, according to Yakubu Shafa, Chairman of Shafa Energy.

Speaking about the Federal Government's efforts to increase the use of alternative energy sources in place of white goods like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, he noted that this was done in complete support of them.

At Shafa Energy, we are committed to following the Federal Government's proposal, not for the sake of competition, but for the benefit of the country. The nation ought to be taken into account first. In this country, we should have alternatives to white goods. This endeavor isn't driven by personal gain, but rather by a commitment to national interests and collective welfare. Investments will be valuable when the nation has liquidity.

Therefore, it is preferable to have alternatives to white goods that run on electricity or CNG. As a result, I think that all of my stations should immediately join in offering CNG pumps and electric charging stations in order to support the government," Shafa said.

A major step forward in Nigeria's adoption of sustainable energy solutions has been made by the initiative launched by Shafa Energy, Nigus, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). This collaboration represents an aggressive step toward cutting carbon emissions and broadening the energy mix with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at gas stations around the nation.

The three-way Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed in a formal ceremony and emphasizes the commitment of all parties, is the centerpiece of this undertaking. It is a real example of the practicality of electric vehicles in Nigeria, as well as a symbol of progress, that an electric vehicle charging station is present at an A.Y.M. Shafa filling station in Abuja.

This partnership is expected to have significant implications that go well beyond the installation of infrastructure for charging electric vehicles right now. Initiatives like these are crucial for bringing about systemic change as Nigeria works to fulfill its climate obligations and move to a low-carbon economy. The incorporation of renewable energy technologies not only mitigates environmental issues but also fosters social and economic advancement.

Related Read: Sterling Bank Solar Energy Shift: A Landmark In Sustainable Development

Furthermore, the focus on residential charging capacities highlights how adaptable and durable renewable energy sources are. The idea of using solar energy to power houses presents a game-changing possibility in a nation where many still struggle to obtain consistent access to electricity. Individuals and communities can improve their energy security and quality of life by lowering their reliance on centralized grid infrastructure.

A dedication to just development is seen in the deliberate extension of renewable energy infrastructure from the northern to the southern regions. Nigeria has a lot of sunshine, thus geographic diversification makes sure that the advantages of clean energy are seen throughout the whole country. Inclusion like this improves the fabric of society and promotes national cohesiveness.

The proactive approach used by Shafa Energy in installing CNG pumps and charging stations for electric vehicles further emphasizes how crucial private sector involvement in sustainable development is. Setting the standard for innovation and corporate responsibility, the corporation is a major participant in the energy sector. Shafa Energy is an excellent example of how profit-driven organizations may foster positive change by coordinating corporate goals with society demands.

The Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited, Kanayo Odoe, summarizes the main points of the cooperation in brief. Working with Original Equipment Manufacturer, Nigus, NNEL guarantees the availability of state-of-the-art charging equipment, while Shafa Energy supplies the infrastructure required for deployment. A common goal to use renewable energy sources for sustainable development is highlighted by this synergy.

One example of innovation and environmental care is the use of solar power for electric vehicle charging stations. As Odoe points out, Nigeria's massive solar radiation offers an unmatched chance to produce sustainable energy independent of finite fossil resources. The consequences are not limited to transportation; they might also power homes and communities, promoting resilience and energy independence.

In addition, the determination to increase the country's share of renewable energy sources highlights a long-term goal of revolutionary transformation. The proactive approach taken by NNEL is indicative of a strategic alignment with the goals of the government to support cleaner energy choices. Prioritizing solar energy not only lowers carbon emissions but also lessens the negative effects of energy instability on end users.

Shafa Energy Chairman Yakubu Shafa endorses this view, stating that his organization is committed to assisting the Federal Government in its endeavors. The company has demonstrated environmental responsibility and corporate citizenship by installing compressed natural gas (CNG) pumps and electric vehicle charging stations at all of its A.Y.M. Shafa filling stations. The focus on offering substitutes for conventional petroleum products highlights a dedication to sustainability and financial stability.

In fact, adopting alternative energy sources is a common duty towards the advancement of the country rather than just a matter of competitiveness. Infrastructure for electric vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG) integration not only decreases reliance on imported petroleum products but also promotes technical advancement and job creation. Nigeria has the potential to be a leader in sustainable development, and this all-encompassing approach is in line with global trends towards decarbonization.

Final note, the collaboration between Shafa Energy, Nigus, and NNPC signifies a paradigm change in Nigeria's approach to sustainable energy solutions. The effort exemplifies innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic resiliency by utilizing solar electricity for electric vehicle charging stations and accepting CNG as an alternative fuel. This cooperative endeavor acts as a ray of hope for a more economic and environmentally friendly future as the country navigates the obstacles of the energy transition.