Announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in June 2025, the NNPC Fuel app is the latest example of how local technology expertise can drive digital transformation in critical sectors of the economy.

STSL, a versatile technology services company, has built a reputation for developing bespoke software solutions and robust support services across industries. With a strong portfolio spanning wallet infrastructure, community platforms, and e-government solutions, the company has consistently enabled digital transactions, public service delivery, and community engagement at scale.

In partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc, STSL provided the secure wallet backbone that powers cashless fuel payments nationwide. Beyond technology deployment, the project reflects SystemSpecs’ longstanding commitment to advancing Nigeria’s innovation capacity, fostering transparency in national systems, and building digital platforms that deliver both immediate and long-term economic value.

The NNPC Fuel App represents a new opportunity to deepen integrity, accountability, and transparency across the downstream sector. Customers and dealers will benefit from seamless payment processing with instant reversals for canceled transactions. Fleet managers can also take advantage of the platform by registering their vehicles, pre-purchasing fuel for designated units, and ensuring hassle-free redemption directly at the pump.

“At STSL, our focus has always been to design resilient systems that go beyond solving today’s problems, to setting the stage for a more transparent, efficient, and digital future for Nigeria.

“This project illustrates the impact that collaboration between government, the financial sector, and local technology innovators can achieve. With this infrastructure, Nigerians gain a more convenient and accountable way to transact, while the broader economy benefits from reduced cash dependency and stronger regulatory oversight. It is a blueprint for how home-grown innovation can fuel national progress.”

For Nigerians, the significance of this milestone lies not only in fuel payments but also in what it represents: the ability of local technology providers to deliver world-class solutions that meet Nigeria’s unique needs. For the economy, it affirms the value of indigenous innovation in building a sustainable, cashless, and transparent future.

Speaking alongside notable industry leaders, including Dr. Simon Ogwu, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, AG Mortgage Bank and keynote speaker Mr. Francis Ekeng, MD, Breezetek Technologies, Mr. Igbalajobi challenged traditional practices, urging mortgage providers to prioritize customer empowerment and internal efficiencies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving market.

During his panel session on the theme “Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Growth,” Mr. Igbalajobi drew from his early experiences with mortgages to spotlight persistent inefficiencies in the system.

He observed that today’s customers are increasingly impatient, discerning, and tech-savvy, demanding faster and more inclusive services.

He stressed that mortgage providers must rise to these expectations, stating,

“If a customer knows within five minutes that they can secure a mortgage offer for a specific amount, you’ve captured their interest.” 

He underscored the critical role of immediacy and clarity in engaging prospective homeowners effectively.

Mr. Igbalajobi observed that high rental costs and low-income levels present significant barriers for many Nigerians. He urged financial institutions to lower the target age demographic for mortgage products, making homeownership more accessible to younger populations.

He pointed out that many individuals under 35, who struggle to afford rents in urban centers or save for property investments, represent an untapped market segment. Mortgage providers, he suggested, must craft products tailored to this audience, offering affordable solutions that consider Nigeria’s economic realities.

A central theme of his address was the urgent need to create a seamless and efficient customer journey by digitizing and simplifying mortgage application processes.

Mr. Igbalajobi emphasized the importance of optimizing internal operations, advocating for stronger collaboration and improved efficiency across teams. He highlighted the necessity of eliminating delays in approval processes, urging organizations to leverage digital tools that provide real-time tracking of activities across the approval chain.

“If a document sits on a manager’s desk for two days, the system should notify the managing director, prompting action. This kind of accountability ensures customer needs are met promptly,” he stated, underscoring the importance of responsiveness and transparency in driving customer satisfaction.

By reengineering internal workflows, integrating digital monitoring tools, and fostering greater collaboration across departments, institutions can eliminate delays in the approval process.

Recognizing the disruptive influence of fintechs in the real estate sector, Mr. Igbalajobi also urged AG Mortgage Bank to adopt a collaborative mindset. He referenced successful partnerships between traditional financial institutions and fintechs, emphasizing the opportunities such alliances present in creating smarter, faster, and more customer-centric solutions.

“Fintechs are also innovating, but they cannot do it alone. They need you because you hold the licenses they cannot obtain,” he remarked, calling for a symbiotic relationship between traditional and emerging players.

Beyond digital transformation, Mr. Igbalajobi emphasized the critical role of empowering employees to efficiently facilitate transactions.

Drawing inspiration from advancements in international markets, he highlighted examples of real estate companies abroad that have digitized the entire home-buying experience, encompassing virtual property tours and seamless online mortgage applications.

“Imagine a scenario where a salesperson meets a customer on-site, discusses terms, and finalizes a mortgage agreement without the customer ever stepping into a branch,”he proposed.

This vision, while ambitious, reflects global best practices and underscores the immense potential for innovation within Nigeria’s mortgage sector.

Mr Igbalajobi also highlighted the need for continuous education and enlightenment. He urged mortgage providers to engage prospective customers through webinars and other knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to demystify the mortgage process.

He observed that many young professionals lack a clear understanding of how mortgages work or the benefits they offer.

By prioritizing customer education, he argued, institutions can build trust and attract a new generation of homeowners, particularly those currently feeling excluded from the housing market due to perceived complexities or costs.

Mr. Igbalajobi emphasized that the future transformation of AG Mortgage Bank—and the broader mortgage sector rests on two pivotal pillars: customer empowerment and employee engagement. He identified these as the twin drivers of growth, profitability, and long-term resilience.

“You have the customer base, the brand equity, and access to funding. The real challenge lies in harmonizing your systems and workforce to consistently deliver exceptional value and elevate the customer experience,” he concluded, underscoring the strategic imperative of aligning people, processes, and technology for sustained success.

SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited, under Mr. Igbalajobi’s leadership, continues to lead the charge in delivering innovative solutions that drive industry growth.

Through solutions like Pouchii, FundACause, and others, the company demonstrates its commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s financial landscape with technology-driven strategies.

He made this call at the 54th International Conference of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Systemspecs Technology Services Limited is a leading financial and human capital management software solution provider, and a subsidiary of Systemspecs Group, that company focuses on a wide array of technology solutions with products such as HumanManager, HumanManagerFlex, Pouchii and FundACause, amongst many other products and services.

With over two decades of multi-industry experience, Mr. Igbalajobi delivered a paper on “Leveraging HR Technology Tools to Enable and Sustain Business Performance”.

He noted that one of the major challenges of the post Covid-19 era is managing employees under a remote and hybrid working environment without losing productivity. More than ever before, human resources specialists have to adopt creative ways of optimally recruiting and managing their respective human capital.

“That is why we are developing software which utilises artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and machine learning to provide HR, administration and financial services that boost productivity and increase profitability.” Mr. Igbalajobi remarked.

Creating an awareness in the conference tagged “Leading People, Growing Nations” he stated the importance of growing the Nigerian economy and reducing the impact of capital flight when consumers locally sourcing for their technology needs such as software products and services.

He posited that there is an increased demand for homegrown software to facilitate productivity in this new dispensation.

“Indigenous software developers understand local nuances better in deploying technology that delivers bespoke solutions.  These innovative products are often designed to world class standards, and thereby able to boost local industries by retaining top talents here, reducing capital flight and the need for foreign exchange to procure international alternatives,” he added.