Obat Oil Announces ambitious plan for 200 new retail stations
In a candid briefing, Obat Oil’s Group Managing Director, Akinfemiwa Akinruntan, outlined a bold strategy to expand the company’s retail footprint across the country. Speaking with industry journalist DARE OLAWIN, Akinruntan highlighted why Obat Oil believes it can accelerate growth through a mix of operational improvements, strategic partnerships, and a focus on customer-centric service at the pump. The plan centers on opening 200 new retail stations nationwide, a move designed to increase market share, improve access to fuel, and bolster brand visibility in key urban and underserved regions.
Strategic advantages driving the expansion
Akinruntan underscored several competitive advantages that position Obat Oil well for a 200-station plan. First is a robust supply chain built to weather seasonal demand fluctuations, supported by long-term supplier agreements and diversified sourcing. Second, the company’s pricing and loyalty strategies aim to create reliability and trust among motorists and fleet operators alike. Third, Obat Oil emphasizes digital integration—from real-time stock monitoring to streamlined payment options—that makes it easier for customers to choose Obat Oil stations even when alternatives are nearby.
Operational improvements powering growth
The interview with OLAWIN revealed a focus on efficiency at the heart of the expansion. Obat Oil is investing in upgraded logistics, including optimized delivery routes, bulk fueling solutions for high-volume stations, and standardized operating procedures to ensure consistent service across all locations. Training programs are being rolled out to reduce turnaround times for maintenance and to improve safety and compliance at busy retail sites. These improvements aim to increase throughput, minimize outages, and support a reliable customer experience that can sustain a larger network.
Retail network expansion: targets and execution
The company’s plan to grow its retail network to 200 stations involves a phased rollout, starting with regions that offer strong demand, competitive density, and favorable logistics. Obat Oil will seek strategic site acquisitions and partnerships with landowners and developers where appropriate. The rollout emphasizes not just locations with high traffic, but also coverage in regional hubs where access has historically been limited. By broadening geographic reach, Obat Oil intends to reduce travel time for customers and improve service reliability for commercial fleets.
Collaboration with the Dangote refinery
Akinruntan highlighted the collaboration with the Dangote refinery as a critical enabler of the expansion. This partnership is expected to enhance supply security, improve product quality consistency, and potentially unlock favorable procurement terms. By aligning with a major national refinery, Obat Oil can pursue more stable sourcing, which in turn supports price competitiveness and a steadier customer experience at the newly added stations.
What this means for customers and communities
For motorists, the expansion translates to greater convenience and more predictable service at predictable prices. For small business owners and fleet managers, a larger network means easier access to fuel, which can reduce downtime and support logistics planning. The 200-station plan also carries social implications, including potential job creation and opportunities for local suppliers in the communities where stations will be located. Obat Oil emphasizes safety, reliability, and transparency as core values that will guide the rollout.
Looking ahead: governance, financing, and milestones
Executing such an ambitious plan requires disciplined governance and prudent financing. Obat Oil has signaled a commitment to transparent reporting on milestones—station openings, capacity upgrades, and supply reliability metrics. While no exact financing mix was disclosed in the briefing, the company indicated it would leverage a mix of equity partnerships, credit facilities, and project-specific funding aligned with the growth timeline. Stakeholders can expect periodic updates as each phase of the expansion unfolds.
As Obat Oil advances toward its target of 200 retail stations nationwide, observers will be watching how operational discipline, supplier partnerships, and customer-focused services translate into sustained market share gains and improved access to fuel across the country.
