Mkpoikana Udoma,
Port Harcourt — In a major push to make cooking gas more affordable, Nigeria has commissioned a new 40,000 metric ton Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, vessel, MT Iyaloja (Lagos), in South Korea.
The milestone, according to the federal government, will expand the country’s gas infrastructure, deepen LPG penetration and lower the cost of gas for households and industries.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project represents more than technology.
“This vessel is more than steel and technology, it carries a legacy. Named Iyaloja (Lagos) in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s late mother, it reflects resilience, commerce, and community spirit,” Ekpo said.
He added that the commissioning of the vessel marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s clean energy transition.”
“With its deployment and the signing of contracts for two more vessels, Nigeria is showing the world that our ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is not just policy, it is action,” he stressed.
The President commended WAGL Energy Limited, a joint venture between NNPC Limited and Sahara Group, for spearheading the project in partnership with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard of South Korea.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the vessel as a boost to Nigeria’s quest for affordable gas.
Represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, Ojulari said: “The MT Iyaloja (Lagos) is a great addition to our gas development efforts. NNPC Ltd. is deepening its commitment to ensure LPG affordability, availability and access nationwide.”
He further noted that WAGL, in which NNPC Ltd. is a shareholder, already operates four LPG vessels that have delivered over six million metric tons of LPG across West Africa in the past five years.
Chairman of WAGL and Sahara Group Executive Director, Mr. Temitope Shonubi, highlighted the company’s commitment to bridging Africa’s energy gap.
“The addition of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) embodies the spirit of progress and empowerment championed by the iconic Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, whose legacy we honour. Sahara Group is proud of its partnership with NNPC Ltd. and remains committed to driving energy access in Africa,” Shonubi said.
WAGL’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Sani Bello, disclosed that the company plans to further expand its fleet in the next two years.
“WAGL already has plans to add a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier, VLGC, to strengthen our integrated supply network across the energy value chain,” he revealed.
The commissioning ceremony was capped with a symbolic ribbon-cutting, performed by Alhaja Folasade Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and granddaughter of the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, after whom the vessel was named.
This article was originally posted at sweetcrudereports.com
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