…NNPC, Sahara Group develop Africa’s clear vitality footprint
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to main Africa’s transition to scrub and sustainable vitality with the commissioning of a brand new 40,000 cubic meters (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel in Ulsan, South Korea.
The vessel, named MT Iyaloja (Lagos), belongs to WAGL Energy Limited, a three way partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Sahara Group. With dual-fuel expertise and absolutely refrigerated capability, the LPG service is anticipated to spice up Nigeria’s and West Africa’s entry to reasonably priced clear vitality.
Speaking on the ceremony on Monday, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised WAGL, NNPC Ltd., and Sahara Group for his or her “strategic foresight, technical excellence, and unwavering dedication to expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy value chain.”
The President famous that the commissioning marked a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to deploy fuel as a transition gas for {economic} growth and environmental sustainability.
“Nigeria is poised to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions not just in-country but also across Africa and beyond,” Tinubu mentioned.
Boosting Gas Infrastructure and Access
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, described the vessel as a strategic asset for Nigeria’s fuel agenda.
He defined that the corporate was decided to make sure LPG availability, affordability, and entry nationwide, whereas deepening the nation’s fuel infrastructure.
“NNPC Ltd. is proud to be a major shareholder in this indigenous company which, in addition to the newly commissioned MT Iyaloja (Lagos), owns four other LPG vessels in its growing fleet, delivering over 6 million MT of LPG across West Africa over the last five years,” he mentioned.
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Private Sector Commitment
WAGL’s Chairman and Executive Director at Sahara Group, Mr. Temitope Shonubi, mentioned the brand new vessel underlined the corporate’s imaginative and prescient to shut Africa’s crucial vitality infrastructure hole responsibly.
“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 reaffirms its commitment to partnerships that drive energy access in Africa,” Shonubi mentioned.
WAGL’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Sani Bello, disclosed that the corporate was already engaged on plans to develop its fleet additional inside the subsequent two years with the acquisition of a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC).
Honouring Tinubu’s Mother
The vessel was named in honour of the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, MFR, the mom of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The symbolic ribbon-cutting was carried out by her grand-daughter, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Folasade Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo.
With the commissioning of MT Iyaloja (Lagos), WAGL Energy Limited has elevated its LPG vessel capability to 162,000 CBM, becoming a member of its present fleet of MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.
The growth strengthens Nigeria’s place as a hub for clear vitality in West Africa whereas reaffirming the federal government’s dedication to leveraging public-private partnerships to speed up the continent’s vitality transition.
