By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos The National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) hav
By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
The National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have applauded President Bola Tinubu, GCFR on the successful commissioning of the MT IYALOJA vessel, stressing that the introduction of the state-of-the-art vessel would enhance the country’s capacity in maritime operations, promote energy security and create new economic opportunities.
It will be recalled that President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned the 40,000 cubic meters (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel, christened “MT Iyaloja (Lagos),” in Ulsan, South Korea, and stressed that Nigeria is poised to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions not just in-country but also across Africa and beyond.
A statement by NNPC explained that the vessel, owned by WAGL Energy Limited (an NNPC Ltd. /Sahara Group Joint Venture) is a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier.
This latest addition brings WAGL’s total LPG vessel capacity to 162,000 CBM. Other vessels in the fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.
Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the President commended WAGL Energy Limited, NNPC Limited and Sahara Group, for their strategic foresight, technical excellence and unwavering dedication to expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy value-chain.
In his remarks, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described WAGL’s LPG Vessel as a great addition to gas development efforts in Nigeria.
The GCEO, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, added that the vessel will be crucial in realising the impact of gas in Nigeria’s economic development.
According to him, NNPC Ltd. is deepening its commitment to ensure LPG affordability, availability and access nationwide.
Describing the acquisition of the vessel as a significant milestone, the Maritime Workers’ Union noted that it is a testament to the Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s Maritime Industry and harnessing the potential of the Economy.
In a congratulatory message on the commissioning of the Vessel to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, signed by its President General comrade Francis Bunu, MWUN expressed delight that the development will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a maritime hub in the West African Sub-region.
The Maritime Workers’ Union therefore requested an opportunity to collaborate with the government for the empowerment and welfare of Nigerian seafarers.
It specifically proposed a collaboration, focusing on three major issues which local content and employment, training and capacity building , including welfare and social protection.
The message titled, “CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE ON THE COMMISSIONING OF MT IYALOJA AND PROPOSAL FOR COLLABORATION”, reads “The National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) extend our profound congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the successful commissioning of the MT IYALOJA.
“This remarkable acquisition is a testament to your administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s Maritime Industry and harnessing the potential of the Economy.
“The introduction of this state-of-the-art vessel is a significant milestone that promises to enhance the country’s capacity in maritime operations, promote energy security, and create new economic opportunities.
“We are particularly proud that this development will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a maritime hub in the West African Sub-region.
“In light of this laudable achievement, we humbly request an opportunity to collaborate with your government for the empowerment and welfare of Nigerian seafarers.
“As the leading union representing maritime workers, we believe that a strategic partnership can ensure that this and future maritime acquisitions directly translate into tangible benefits for our dedicated seafarers. Specifically, we propose a collaboration focused on:
“Local Content and Employment: Ensuring that qualified and competent Nigeria seafarers are given priority for employment on the MT IYALOJA and other vessels operating in our territorial waters, in full compliance with the Nigerian Cabotage Act.
“Training and Capacity Building: Partnering with relevant government agencies to
establish and fund advanced training programs that will equip our seafarers with the skills required to operate and maintain modern vessels, thereby meeting international standards.
“Welfare and Social Protection: Working together to improve the working conditions, remuneration and social security of Nigerian seafarers, ensuring their well-being and productivity.
“We are confident that a collaborative effort will not only secure the future of our seafarers but also foster industrial harmony and sustainable growth within the maritime sector.
“The MWUN is fully prepared to provide the necessary support and expertise to make this partnership a resounding success.
“We look forward to your favourable consideration and an opportunity to discuss these proposals in greater detail.”
A statement by NNPC explained that the vessel, owned by WAGL Energy Limited (an NNPC Ltd. /Sahara Group Joint Venture) is a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier.
This latest addition brings WAGL’s total LPG vessel capacity to 162,000 CBM. Other vessels in the fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.
Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the President commended WAGL Energy Limited, NNPC Limited and Sahara Group, for their strategic foresight, technical excellence and unwavering dedication to expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy value-chain.
In his remarks, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described WAGL’s LPG Vessel as a great addition to gas development efforts in Nigeria.
The GCEO, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, added that the vessel will be crucial in realising the impact of gas in Nigeria’s economic development.
According to him, NNPC Ltd. is deepening its commitment to ensure LPG affordability, availability and access nationwide.
Also speaking, WAGL’s Chairman/Executive Director at Sahara Group, Mr. Temitope Shonubi, noted that the company’s expansion demonstrates its vision of responsibly driving efforts aimed at bridging the continent’s critical energy infrastructure 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 reaffirms its commitment to partnerships that drive energy access in Africa.”
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