President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a newly built Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel named “MT Iyaloja (Lagos)” in Ulsan, South Korea, in a strategic move to boost Nigeria’s clean energy supply and improve LPG availability across the country and West Africa.
The vessel, which has a capacity of 40,000 cubic metres (CBM), is owned by WAGL Energy Limited, a joint venture between NNPC Limited and Sahara Group. It is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s domestic gas infrastructure and reduce reliance on imported LPG.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, at the naming and commissioning ceremony on Monday, President Tinubu praised the initiative as a step forward in Nigeria’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy.
“This project shows our determination to provide affordable and accessible clean energy not just for Nigerians, but also for the rest of Africa,” Tinubu stated in remarks released by the NNPC Ltd.
The President also acknowledged the vessel’s name, which pays tribute to his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a respected market leader and the former Iyaloja-General of Lagos. The vessel was symbolically christened by her granddaughter and current Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.
The newly commissioned MT Iyaloja (Lagos) is a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier, and it joins WAGL’s existing fleet which includes MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet. With this addition, WAGL’s total vessel capacity rises to 162,000 CBM, a major boost for regional LPG distribution.
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Ojulari, in a speech delivered by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power, and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, said the vessel demonstrates NNPC’s deepening commitment to gas infrastructure.
“This vessel will play a key role in expanding access to affordable LPG across Nigeria. It is part of our plan to ensure that more households and businesses transition to cleaner cooking and industrial fuel options,” Ojulari said.
He further highlighted that WAGL has delivered over six million metric tonnes (MT) of LPG across West Africa in the past five years and continues to serve as a vital link in the regional gas supply chain.
Temitope Shonubi, Chairman and Executive Director at Sahara Group, described the launch of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) as a proud moment that reflects the company’s vision for African-led energy solutions.
“This vessel represents not just technical achievement but the spirit of empowerment and progress,” Shonubi said. “It is named after a woman who stood for leadership and community strength — values we hold dear.”
He reaffirmed Sahara Group’s partnership with NNPC Ltd. and its commitment to bridging Africa’s energy infrastructure gap through responsible investment.
WAGL’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello, revealed that the company plans to further expand its fleet over the next two years, with the addition of a Small Gas Carrier (SGC) and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) to enhance delivery capacity and regional coverage.
“We are committed to creating a strong, integrated energy value chain. Our goal is to make LPG accessible and reliable for homes, small businesses, and industries alike,” Bello stated.
The commissioning of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) comes as Nigeria continues its transition from fossil fuel dependence to cleaner energy alternatives. The government has been encouraging the use of gas as a cleaner substitute for diesel and firewood, especially in cooking and transportation.
Despite having Africa’s largest gas reserves, Nigeria still faces challenges with gas distribution, pricing, and infrastructure. Projects like this are expected to help close the gap between supply and demand.
Industry analysts say the move is timely, especially as the global energy market shifts toward cleaner fuels. They also commend the partnership between public and private entities in strengthening indigenous capacity in the oil and gas sector.
“This is a big win for Nigeria,” said energy analyst Bamidele Adeniran. “It shows we can build and operate world-class energy assets with local talent and investment. The long-term benefit will be seen in better gas access and lower prices.”
The vessel’s name, MT Iyaloja (Lagos), is more than just symbolic. It reflects the legacy of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a respected Lagos matriarch and community leader. In naming the vessel after her, President Tinubu not only paid tribute to his mother’s life but also sent a message about the role of women in leadership, commerce, and nation-building.
The ribbon-cutting by her granddaughter, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, added a personal touch to what was otherwise a business-focused event.
As Nigeria deepens its investment in gas and clean energy, projects like this are expected to play a major role in powering the economy, reducing emissions, and improving lives.
