President Tinubu Commissions WAGL’s 40,000 CBM LPG Vessel in South Korea
President Tinubu Commissions WAGL’s 40,000 CBM LPG Vessel in South Korea
Nigeria has taken another giant step in its journey toward a cleaner energy future as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the brand-new 40,000 cubic meter (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel, MT Iyaloja (Lagos), in Ulsan, South Korea. The commissioning is not just a ceremonial milestone but a strategic achievement for Nigeria’s gas sector, energy transition, and economic development.
A Milestone in Nigeria’s Decade of Gas
The vessel is owned by WAGL Energy Limited, a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Sahara Group. Designed as a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier, the MT Iyaloja enhances Nigeria’s LPG shipping and storage capacity, bringing WAGL’s total fleet capacity to 162,000 CBM. Other vessels in this fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.
By commissioning the vessel, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to lead Africa in the global clean energy value chain. Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the President commended the joint venture partners for their strategic foresight, technical expertise, and resilience in pushing Africa’s energy transition forward.
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What MT Iyaloja Means for Nigeria
The commissioning of MT Iyaloja comes at a time when Nigeria is aggressively pursuing its Decade of Gas Initiative, which emphasizes the use of natural gas and LPG as transition fuels. The impact of this vessel will be far-reaching in areas such as:
- Energy Security: Increasing LPG supply will help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuels and ensure consistent energy availability for households and industries.
- Affordability: With greater storage and shipping capacity, NNPC Ltd. aims to make LPG more affordable and accessible across the nation.
- Environmental Impact: Expanding LPG usage reduces reliance on firewood and kerosene, cutting carbon emissions and protecting forests.
- Economic Growth: Increased gas infrastructure directly supports job creation, industrial productivity, and investment opportunities.
Voices from the Leadership
During the event, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., described the vessel as “a great addition to gas development efforts in Nigeria.” Represented by Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President for Gas, Power, and New Energy, Ojulari emphasized that the vessel will play a crucial role in realizing the economic and social benefits of gas development in the country.
The government has promised to deepen its efforts to ensure nationwide LPG affordability, availability, and access. This reflects the administration’s focus on transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy that not only serves its citizens but also strengthens its position as a regional energy hub.
Economic and Regional Impact
The commissioning of MT Iyaloja signals Nigeria’s readiness to take a bigger role in Africa’s clean energy transformation. Beyond domestic usage, the vessel strengthens Nigeria’s export potential, enabling the country to meet rising LPG demand across West Africa and beyond.
For ordinary Nigerians, this move could translate into more affordable cooking gas prices, greater energy stability, and expanded business opportunities in the energy sector. For Africa, it positions Nigeria as a leader in the LPG supply chain, promoting regional energy independence and cooperation.
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