MT Iyaloja Lagos vessel launch marks a major step for Nigeria’s clean energy goals, earning Tinubu’s praise for NNPC and Sahara Group
MT Iyaloja Lagos vessel was officially unveiled in Ulsan, South Korea on Monday, marking a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s clean energy journey.
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President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Sahara Group for their leadership and innovation in expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy space.
The dual-fuel, fully refrigerated Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier is owned by WAGL Energy Limited, a joint venture between NNPC and Sahara Group.
The new vessel adds 40,000 CBM to WAGL’s fleet, bringing its total LPG capacity to 162,000 CBM.
“This vessel reflects strategic foresight, technical excellence, and an unwavering dedication to clean energy,” Tinubu noted, praising the JV partners for supporting Nigeria’s domestic and regional energy security.
According to NNPC’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari—represented by EVP Gas, Power & New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye—the new vessel is critical to driving the government’s gas-led economic transformation.
“The MT Iyaloja Lagos strengthens our ability to deliver LPG affordably and consistently nationwide,” Ojulari said, highlighting WAGL’s delivery of over 6 million metric tonnes of LPG across West Africa in five years.
WAGL Chairman and Sahara Group Executive Director, Temitope Shonubi, emphasised the importance of closing Africa’s energy infrastructure gap through responsible investment.
“The MT Iyaloja Lagos embodies progress and empowerment, honouring the legacy of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji,” he stated.
“Sahara Group remains committed to partnerships that expand energy access across Africa.”
Named after Tinubu’s late mother, the MT Iyaloja Lagos was officially commissioned by her granddaughter, Alhaja Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
The symbolic naming underscores the vessel’s significance as a legacy project aligned with national aspirations.
WAGL Managing Director, Mohammed Bello, disclosed that the company plans to expand its fleet within the next two years, with both a small gas carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) in development.
“This expansion supports our vision of building an integrated LPG supply chain for Africa,” Bello added.
The launch of MT Iyaloja Lagos positions Nigeria as a growing force in the global LPG market.
The move reflects the country’s increasing commitment to clean energy adoption, energy security, and regional collaboration.
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President Tinubu described the initiative as a shining example of how public-private partnerships can power sustainable development in Africa’s energy space.
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