“Affordability and Accessibility Very Important To Us”-Kalu  

The Executive Chairman of Vindi Petroleum, Victor Kalu, yesterday revealed plans by his firm to ease access to petroleum retailing and provide affordable petroleum access solutions to Nigerians.

Kalu, at a media parley with the members of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) at its secretariat in Apapa, Lagos, emphasised the company’s commitment to easing the burden faced by Nigerians due to rising fuel costs and transportation expenses. He pointed out that the current economic realities necessitate innovative solutions that can help bridge gaps in energy distribution and affordability.

“In Nigeria today, the cost of goods and transportation has skyrocketed, directly linked to the rising cost of fuel. People are struggling to survive, and we cannot afford to stand by and watch. At Vindi Petroleum, we are driven by the need to address this issue, not for personal gain, but to impact the Nigerian economy positively,” Kalu said.

Outlining the  Vindi Petroleum’s innovative approach, Kalu reiterated “Own a Pump” franchise, which allows individuals to own and operate a single pump instead of an entire station. This initiative, launched last year, has made petroleum retailing accessible to ordinary Nigerians who previously lacked the financial capacity to enter the industry. Last year, we set out to expand our footprint by introducing the “Own a Pump” franchise, a groundbreaking innovation in petroleum retail.

“Traditionally, opening a petrol station required capital ranging from N100 million to N2 billion, effectively locking out ordinary Nigerians from entering the oil and gas industry. This exclusivity led many to believe that the sector was controlled by a select few with deep pockets”

“We disrupted this norm by offering a model that allowed individuals to own and operate a single pump instead of an entire station, making retailing accessible to everyday Nigerians. The initiative gained massive traction, and our branches multiplied rapidly. Despite skepticism, our programmes were oversubscribed nationwide, proving the demand for a more inclusive approach to fuel distribution.”

“This year, we are taking it a step further with a new vision. Just as we defied expectations last year, we are confident in our ability to achieve even greater impact in democratising the oil and gas sector. That’s why I’m here to share our plans for this year and invite more Nigerians to partner with us on this journey,” he added.

Kalu affirmed that the company plans to build on its success with the launch of Fuel Yapa, an online platform enabling consumers to order fuel and pick it up at partner stations nationwide. The platform, which boasts over 1,000 partner stations, aims to simplify fuel distribution and cut out middlemen to make petroleum products more affordable.

“With Fuel Yapa, consumers can order fuel online, reserve it at any of our partner stations across Nigeria, and even have it delivered to their homes or offices through our PetrolKeg service. This is a first-of-its-kind solution in Nigeria,” Kalu stated.

The company also announced a bold target of distributing one billion liters of fuel this year through its platform. To achieve this, Vindi Petroleum is working with independent marketers, securing supplies from major producers, and rolling out a private offer that allows Nigerians to invest in petroleum distribution.

“Our private offer allows Nigerians to become stakeholders in fuel distribution. For as little as N455,000, individuals can invest in our PMS vessel private offer and earn a return of up to 132 per cent per annum. This is not just business; it is an opportunity to empower Nigerians to become petroleum moguls,” Kalu explained.

He emphasised the importance of competition in the energy market, citing the limited reach of existing players like NNPC stating, “We want to be a viable alternative, ensuring fuel accessibility in underserved areas. This is why we need the media to help amplify our message and drive national support.”

Kalu closed his address by urging journalists to go beyond reporting and actively support initiatives that address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“What we are looking for is your support. The media has the power to shape public opinion and attract the necessary partnerships to make this vision a reality,” he emphasized