N.I.E.S 2024: Perfect platform to share experience – MD, SICL

Adebayo Obajemu

The Managing Director/Chief executive officer of Starzs Investments Company Limited (SICL), Ms Iroghama Ogbeifun has described the upcoming Nigeria International Energy Summit (N.I.E.S) 2024 as a perfect forum to strategize on how to salvage the Nigerian energy sector.

Ms Ogbeifun who stated this in a chat with journalists in Lagos, noted that since the forum is an initiative of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, it offers an opportunity to share experience between the regulatory authorities and industry operators. She however stressed the need for the Ministry to support indigenous players in every aspect of the Oil and Gas Industry value chain to revamp the Nigerian economy.

“The current economic challenges facing the country can be attributed to the nation’s dependence on foreign input. It’s time for local operators to take the central stage in the industry and stabilize it.

“That way we can begin to play big in the African energy sector to boost every aspect of our economy.

“We all know that energy is the foundation for industrialization. Now that local operators are playing in almost every aspect of the industry, the government must give them the necessary support. The N.I.E.S therefore, provides a meeting point for the government to hear from the operators and fashion policies that can speedily advance the sector,” she said.

Ms Ogbeifun expressed confidence that the 2024 N.I.E.S would help the new administration of President Bola Tinubu to draw a roadmap to recover the losses experienced in the sector in recent times.

She also announced that her company will be participating actively at N.I.E.S 2024 as an exhibitor (with its exhibition stand at B26C) while she will be moderating the African Content and Opportunities session at the premier Oil & Gas conference of the Federal Government of Nigeria with the theme for 2024 being “Navigating the New Energy World Order: Security, Transition and Finance”.

“The Summit promises to host a plethora of strategic conversations on energy events and activate plans to unlock new frontiers in the global energy transition,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Chairman of Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)/Waltersmith Group, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa; Country Chair/ CEO of Shell Companies in Nigeria/Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Mr. Osagie Okunbor, and Commission Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, is among the experts slated to discuss industry challenges and proffer solutions at the upcoming 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit (N.I.E.S 2024).

However, the company has from 1986, grown to be the foremost 100% Nigerian Content Compliant marine logistics service company in Nigeria rendering unbeatable services to IOCs and LOCs in Nigeria. A valuable combination of knowledge, expertise and experience gained over the years, in swamp operations and upstream sectors of oil and gas industry projects has played a vital role in placing Starzs at the highest echelon of Nigeria’s maritime logistics service providers.

“In 2019, Starzs received letters of commendation from Samsung Heavy Industries and NIMASA for the high level of safety and professionalism played by the crew of her vessel MV Osarugue during and repositioning and towing out of EGINA FPSO from LADOL jetty in adverse weather conditions. Our commitment to attaining and maintaining best practices in Safety, Health and Security led to Starzs being issued a Document of Compliance (DOC) by Lloyds for ISM/ISPS compliance. We are also ISO 9001:2005 certified, demonstrating our ability to deliver management excellence in our quality management systems.
“The company believes strongly in human capacity development which is evidenced in our robust cadetship training scheme and our 100% Nigerian crew manning our entire fleet of vessels. We remain dedicated to the communities in which we operate through our various initiatives that include job opportunities, scholarships and community development.

“With the anticipated growth in the exploration and production activities of the oil and gas industry, Starzs is poised to not only proffer solutions but also shape the future of the Nigerian Maritime Industry for sustainable development.”