Abayomi Awobokun, is the CEO of Enyo Retail and Supply. Awobokun who headed Oando’s downstream business before joining Enyo has always been enthusiastic about Nigeria’s downstream sector and believes that there is a lot that can be done.
How old is Enyo Retail and Supply and what has been your success story so far?
Since joining Enyo Retail and Supply has been in existence for over two years and I can tell you that it has been very rewarding. We have built a system that benefits from our customers’ trust and formulated great opportunities that cater to the needs of our customers. From the propriety technology deployed for our operations to the matchless services that we create, we show that we are not your average fuel station. We have in this period created various unique services to both our employees and customers that I am very confident that we are headed for a massive 2020. Currently, we have over 700 dedicated staff and with presence in 14 states across Nigeria. We recently launched our brand of LPG called “Superior Liquefied Gas (SLG)” with the motive that customers can buy gas without having to pay for the cylinder as well. I take the training of staff very crucial and so Enyo Retail and Supply dedicates one hour weekly to train all its staff on Health Safety and Environment (HSE). With over 10 years of experience in the downstream industry, I believe that with the help of my board and team, I will be able to position Enyo Retail and Supply on the regional map.
What unique products and services differentiate Enyo from other players in Nigeria’s downstream sector?
Our Diesel2door, Vehicon, and Mechtech services are distinctive and are borne out of conscious awareness of our customers’ needs. Individuals can buy diesel from the comfort of their homes with Diesel2door. While you refill at our gas stations, Vehicon offers you free vehicle diagnostics and other maintenance services are carried out as well. This service was created to appreciate customer loyalty and imbibe the values of vehicle diagnostics into our people. We realized that Nigeria’s downstream sector cannot grow without investment in education and training. For this reason, we have sent selected mechanics overseas for extensive training through our mechanic training
EHow would you describe the downstream oil & gas industry in the country? Is it a viable business to venture into it concerning the harsh environment?
Like all sectors of the Nigerian economy, the downstream is not
free of challenges. The work done by agencies such as the DPR and the NNPC is greatly impacting the industry’s growth but , there’s still a lot of work to be done. However, all stakeholders must take responsibility for promoting the speedy growth of the industry. At a time when the rest of the world is automating downstream operations, Nigeria should do the same. Challenges such as consumer trust, malpractices in fuel distribution and sales can only be fixed by the operators in the downstream sector and these are issues that hamper the development of this industry. Let me answer your second question by saying that there’s no simple or seamless business. Any individual who intends to go into any business must first conduct feasibility tests and be sure he can withstand the risks and challenges involved in doing such business.
Being a technology-focused brand, what investments are being made to ensure Enyo spearheads the digitalization of Nigeria’s downstream sector?
Partnerships with other key players in the petroleum industry who share same vision and core values with us will get us to that point. Digitization doesn’t happen overnight. We are determined to be Nigeria’s first digitally smart and self-operating fuel station, such that 24/7 consumers can refill their vehicles all by themselves.
It has been over a year since the ‘Fuelled by Trust’ initiative was launched, how has this affected revenue and turnover?
Our turnover and revenue after we launched the initiative were remarkable. I think the Fuelled by Trust initiative should be adopted by other downstream operators. It revealed to us that Nigerians are wary of the accuracy and measurements of pump litres in fuel dispensation across Nigeria. At the moment, we are turning in over 1500 transactions a day – and I doubt how many competitors get that much patronage. We had invested a lot of resources into our machinery before the initiative propelled and to know that those efforts were not unexploited is indeed satisfactory.
How do your various business brands respond to the growing consciousness of accessible energy products among the people?
Well since we have positioned ourselves to be customer-centric, it is relatively easy for our business brands to respond to the needs of the people we serve. In a society where prompt and regular vehicle diagnostics are not regular, we have offered Vehicon, a service that provides access to free vehicle diagnostics. Again, Individuals can buy diesel from the comfort of their homes or offices with “Diesel2door”.
What steps has Enyo taken to give back to society?
At Enyo Retail and Supply, CSR opportunities and activities are taken seriously. This is because those are avenues for rewarding our loyal customers, showing that we are a socially responsible business and also a form of strategic investment for us. Enyo Retail and Supply has established a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) centre for children in partnership with Cc-hub (CoCreation Hub) which is conducive for learning about robotics, 3D printing, everyday technology, solar energy, and its uses. At Enyo, we are very particular about mental and skill development and so want to equip tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs. We also have been sending selected Nigerian mechanics overseas for training. By next year, we hope to enlarge our CSR avenues just as much as our business expands.
What is your take on illegal practices in the downstream sector and how has it affected the growth of this sector?
Illegal practices in the downstream sector affect us all but those of us who are players in the industry can do a few things to curb it. These menaces make it difficult for our businesses to thrive and hinder investment. However, it is somewhat a relief that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has launched a device, Digital Seraphin Can, to help ensure accuracy in dispensing of petroleum products across the country. I believe this is the right step as we cannot continue with analogue operations and inspections. Operators too owe it a duty to themselves, the industry and their loyal consumers to stop some of these illegal practices that damage the sector.
So many notable brands in the downstream oil & gas sector in Nigeria are either going into extinction or struggling to survive. What effort/ strategies are you putting in place to ensure your brand remains relevant?
As all businessmen know, it’s the customer that keeps you in business. Our strategies and efforts for expansion and sustenance will always revolve around the customer and never about competition and competitors. Training the team to ensure everyone remains abreast of the endeavours in the industry, expanding the businesses and CSR opportunities, creating more room for digitization and opportunities that set us apart are the key plans, for now, that will guarantee we stay relevant in the industry.
Where do you see Enyo Retail and Supply in the next five years?
In the next five years, I perceive Enyo Retail and Supply as the top of mind for a digitally smart gas station in Nigeria. This is the ultimate dream.
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