Nigeria Takes Bold Steps Towards Clean Energy Leadership
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced Nigeria’s intention to lead the way in providing clean and sustainable energy solutions not only within the country but also across Africa and beyond. This declaration was made during the unveiling of the state-of-the-art 40,000 cubic meters (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier, MT Iyaloja (Lagos), in Ulsan, South Korea.
The vessel, owned by WAGL Energy Limited, a joint venture between NNPC Ltd. and Sahara Group, is a cutting-edge, dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier. With the addition of MT Iyaloja (Lagos), WAGL’s total fleet capacity now stands at 162,000 CBM, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to expand access to clean energy. Other vessels in the fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.
Strategic Gas Development Initiatives in Nigeria
During the commissioning ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended NNPC Ltd. and Sahara Group for their foresight and commitment to enhancing Africa’s role in the global clean energy sector. He emphasized that the launch of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to make natural gas a key driver of economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
Economic Impact of Gas Development
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, highlighted the crucial role that MT Iyaloja (Lagos) will play in unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s vast gas resources. He stated that NNPC Ltd. is proud to be a major shareholder in WAGL, which has a track record of delivering over 6 million metric tons of LPG across West Africa in the last five years. Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to ensuring the affordability, availability, and accessibility of LPG nationwide, positioning Nigeria as a key hub for gas distribution in the region.
Sahara Group’s Energy Infrastructure Vision
Temitope Shonubi, Chairman of WAGL and Executive Director of Sahara Group, reiterated the company’s dedication to closing Africa’s energy infrastructure gap through initiatives like MT Iyaloja (Lagos). He explained that naming the vessel after the late Abibatu Mogaji, President Tinubu’s mother, symbolizes empowerment and progress. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by her granddaughter, Folasade Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria. WAGL’s Managing Director, Mohammed Sani Bello, added that the company plans to expand its fleet further in the coming years, underscoring its growth strategy.
By commissioning MT Iyaloja (Lagos), Nigeria is not only expanding its fleet but also reaffirming its commitment to sustainable energy solutions, regional energy security, and investment in critical infrastructure.
