‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎Starzs Investments Company Ltd (SICL), Nigeria’s foremost indigenous marine and offshore logistics conglomerate has mapped out impressive programmes to commemorate her 40th anniversary in celebration of four decades of resilience, innovation, operational excellence and unique contributions to the growth of the country’s maritime industry.
‎
‎The week-long event spanning July 4 to 10  has the theme ‘Transforming Lives, 40 Years On’. It will bring together industry policy makers, regulators, tested industry leaders and investors. Others are maritime professionals, development partners, host community leaders and other stakeholders to reflect on the company’s remarkable journey and explore the future of indigenous participation in Nigeria’s maritime industry and the blue economy.
‎
‎The event will commence on Saturday July 4 with a Thanksgiving Service followed by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in host communities .
‎Activities throughout the week will celebrate the company’s legacy of entrepreneurship, indigenous capacity development and community impact.

MV Osayamo

‎On Friday, July 10, the celebrations will peak with a high-level Maritime Symposium on the theme ‘Anchoring Resilience: 40 Years of Private Indigenous Initiative, Shaping Nigeria’s Maritime Future,’ followed by a Gala Night celebrating the company’s legacy and future aspirations.
‎
‎Founded in 1986 by Engr Greg Ogbeifun, maritime entrepreneur and industry pioneer, SICL has grown from a modest indigenous marine services company into one of Nigeria’s leading offshore maritime logistics providers. From operating its first vessel nearly four decades ago, the company has expanded into a fleet of 11 offshore support vessels, delivering critical marine logistics and offshore support services to major international and indigenous operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.Over the past four decades, SICL has played a pioneering role in advancing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s offshore marine sector, investing in modern vessels, developing Nigerian seafarers, and demonstrating the capacity of indigenous companies to deliver world-class offshore logistics services.
‎

Starzs Marine Shipyard, Onne, Rivers State.

‎Today, SICL employs more than 200 professionals and has successfully executed over 35 offshore marine contracts since 2010, supporting some of Nigeria’s most significant offshore energy projects. These accomplishments reflect the company’s enduring commitment to operational excellence, local content development, and sustainable value creation.
‎
‎Beyond its achievements in marine logistics, SICL has evolved into a diversified business group with interests spanning maritime support services, security, automotive solutions, gas distribution, and related sectors through subsidiaries including Starzs Marine & Engineering Limited, Eaglewatch Security Limited, Diverse Autocare Limited, Starzs Gas Limited, Cee Jackson Limited, and Maritime Shipping & Ocean International Resources Limited.
‎
‎One of the defining features of SICL’s legacy has been its commitment to developing Nigerian maritime talent. Through its flagship cadetship programme, the company has trained more than 100 Nigerian cadets, providing aspiring seafarers with practical sea-time experience, structured mentoring, internationally recognised professional exposure and career development opportunities aboard its vessels. Many graduates of the programme have progressed to successful careers, contributing to Nigeria’s growing pool of highly skilled maritime professionals and reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to indigenous capacity development.
‎

Ms Iroghama Ogbeifun, MD/CEO, Starzs Investments Co Ltd.

‎Speaking ahead of the anniversary, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Iroghama Ogbeifun, described the milestone as both a celebration of the company’s legacy and a commitment to its future.
‎
‎“For forty years, SICL has remained committed to building indigenous capacity, creating value, and transforming lives. What began as a bold entrepreneurial vision has grown into a diversified indigenous enterprise supporting Nigeria’s maritime and energy industries while creating opportunities for people, businesses, and communities.”
‎She noted that the company’s success has been built on the vision of its founder, the dedication of its employees, the confidence of its clients, and the support of its partners and host communities.
‎
‎”Our greatest achievement is not simply the growth of our fleet or the expansion of our business portfolio. It is the people whose lives have been transformed through employment, training, mentorship, and opportunity. Having trained more than 100 cadets and built a workforce of over 200 dedicated professionals, we remain committed to developing the next generation of Nigerian maritime leaders while strengthening indigenous participation across the industry.”
‎
‎The anniversary symposium will convene leading voices from government and industry to discuss practical strategies for strengthening indigenous ownership of maritime assets, expanding access to long-term financing, deepening local content participation, improving maritime infrastructure, accelerating workforce development, and positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive maritime nation.
‎
‎Distinguished guests expected at the event include senior government officials, heads of maritime regulatory agencies, leaders of indigenous and international maritime organisations, financial institutions, development partners, community leaders, and stakeholders across the maritime, oil and gas, logistics, and shipping sectors.
‎
‎Over the years, SICL has earned a reputation for operational excellence, safety, professionalism, and innovation. In addition to maintaining a modern fleet of 11 offshore support vessels, the company has successfully delivered more than 35 offshore marine contracts since 2010 while continuing to invest in human capital through its cadetship programme and workforce development initiatives. These achievements underscore SICL’s enduring contribution to Nigeria’s maritime industry and reaffirm its commitment to transforming lives through indigenous enterprise, innovation, and capacity development.

‎As SICL enters its fifth decade, the company remains focused on expanding indigenous capacity, driving innovation, strengthening strategic partnerships, creating sustainable opportunities, and contributing meaningfully to the realisation of Nigeria’s Blue Economy aspirations.
‎
‎For SICL, the 40th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity. It is a reaffirmation of a vision that began four decades ago and continues to shape the future of indigenous maritime enterprise in Nigeria.
‎
‎
‎FROM THE BEGINNING
‎
‎Starzs Investments Company Limited (SICL) is a leading indigenous maritime and offshore logistics company with headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Established in 1986, the company owns and operates a fleet of 11 offshore support vessels, employs more than 200 people, has successfully executed over 35 offshore marine contracts since 2010, and  trained more than 100 Nigerian cadets through its flagship cadetship programme.
‎The company provides marine logistics, offshore support, vessel management, maritime security logistics, and specialised offshore services to major operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
‎Guided by its mission, “Transforming Lives, One Boat at a Time,” SICL remains committed to operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, indigenous capacity development, and supporting the continued growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
‎

‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎Once again, officers and men of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have received fresh accolades for being professional, vigilant and unwavering in pushing the realization of the aims and objectives of the Service.
‎
‎Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made the commendation  in Lagos, July 1, as he unveiled and handed over nine containers of narcotics and expired pharmaceuticals recently seized by the Apapa Command to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
‎
‎The contrabands worth over N53.39bn, the CGC explained, were confiscated from unscrupulous importers after painstaking intelligence gathering, scanning analysis and physical examination by the NCS in collaboration with the NDLEA and NAFDAC.
‎
‎CGC Adeniyi referred to resolutions at the 147th/148th Sessions of the Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels, where Customs administrations from 187 member-countries deliberated on  the theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” saying the latest achievement of Apapa Command aligns with the spirit and expectations.
‎
‎He said the sessions provided participants opportunities to engage with critical stakeholders including the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL to deepen international cooperation to advance societal protection mandate.
‎
‎“It is indeed showcasing the end- product of diligent commitment to societal cause, driven and supported by collaboration between and among Agencies, within and across our national jurisdiction,” he stated,
‎
‎The massive Apapa Port seizure comes just days after the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting the borders, preserving the health of the citizens, safeguarding the future of the youths and strengthening national security through intelligence-driven border management, the CGC said.
‎
‎”A breakdown of the seizures include: 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts; and 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311 conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two imported vehicles and household items.”
‎
‎”Others are 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes; 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole products; 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480 conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol); 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand); and 1x40ft container number PCIU8771576 comprising expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12 Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections.
‎Additionally, 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder, and 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04-6646) and an expiry date of December 2028 were also Intercepted.”
‎
‎“This particular seizure at a first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC. The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health.
‎
‎“Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and investigation.”
‎
‎

‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated her resolve to continue to explore ways of empowering the media particularly through structured training, sensitization workshops and capacity-building programmes as it realizes that a well-informed and equipped press will not only enhance the quality of reportage but also strengthen the institutional understanding of Customs operations and challenges.
‎
‎Tincan Command  Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani stated this, Wednesday, while speaking during his maiden engagement with the press following his recent appointment. He charged the press to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while reporting the Command’s activities because responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation to ensure that the realization of Customs’ collective objectives is not marred by inaccurate or misleading reportage.
‎He pledged that the Command will not relent in leveraging the ongoing modernization of the Service as part of her forward-looking agenda.
‎
‎”We are committed to strengthening systems, processes and technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and trade facilitation at the port.”
‎
‎”In line with our new mandate, this administration will uphold total compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
‎
‎”Compliance will be at the heart of our operations and we will continue to enforce the law firmly, fairly and professionally.”
‎
‎In the area of revenue generation, Comptroller Anani announced that the Tincan Command generated N111.27 billion in the month of May and is poised for a remarkable increase in the commendable trajectory.
‎
‎”This positive trajectory is a reflection of the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels and enhanced operational efficiency.”
‎
‎He promised to consolidate on these gains and, indeed, strive to surpass previous achievements by the preceding administration.
‎
‎While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to head such a strategic Command, Comptroller Anani extolled his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to reform and reposition the Service for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
‎
‎He reaffirmed the Command’s openness,  commitment and collaborative  approach to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the media.
‎
‎”To further strengthen our relationship with the media, the Public Relations Unit of the Command will be specifically charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all press-related matters receive the priority and attention they deserve. The Unit will maintain a close and continuous interface with members of the press, providing timely information, facilitating access to relevant developments and fostering mutual understanding between the Command and the media. We believe that a strong and professional partnership with the media is essential to achieving our objectives and keeping the public adequately informed about our activities.”
‎
‎”Together we can ensure that Tincan Island Port Command continues to play its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation and revenue generation.”
‎