By Aderonke Ojo
No fewer than 1,200 athletes from 15 companies are expected to compete in 13 sports at the 20th edition of the 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) scheduled to hold from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14, in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Sulaiman Sulaiman made this known at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.
He said the 2026 edition marks 40 years of NOGIG promoting unity, excellence and collaboration within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“This historic edition celebrates four decades of using sports as a platform to strengthen unity, foster excellence and deepen collaboration across the oil and gas sector,” he said.
He noted that since 2006, NOGIG had grown into a premier biennial sporting event that brings together oil companies, operators and industry institutions.
According to him, the games represent workforce wellness, industry cohesion and healthy rivalry, which continue to strengthen relationships and operational cooperation within the sector.
“NOGIG underscores the industry’s commitment to teamwork, wellness and camaraderie among its workforce.
“An industry that competes together builds trust and grows stronger through collaboration,” he said.
Sulaiman said most of the events would take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, while the snooker competition would hold at the E12 Club in Wuse.
He added that the golf event had been concluded ahead of the main programme.
He described Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as a strategic pillar of the national economy and global energy supply, adding that NOGIG reinforces core values such as teamwork, discipline and inclusiveness.
“The Local Organising Committee is committed to delivering a safe, well-coordinated competition that upholds fairness and integrity,” he said.
He invited the media, industry stakeholders and the international community to join in celebrating 40 years of unity through sports.
“The 20th NOGIG reaffirms that collaboration, wellness and shared purpose remain at the heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“We look forward to a successful and memorable event,” he added.
Sulaiman assured Nigerians of a well-organised competition, adding that trophies, team honours and individual awards would be presented to outstanding performers at the conclusion of the games.
Participating companies include TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Seplat Energy, Oando, Shell, Nigeria LNG (NLNG), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Others are Renaissance, Chevron, Aradel Holdings, Petroleum Training Institute and ND Western.
Athletics, football, volleyball, badminton, squash, tennis, table tennis, swimming, scrabble, snooker, golf, basketball and chess will feature at the games. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
