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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Organisers of the 20th edition of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGI) have revealed that no fewer than 1,200 contingents and athletes will compete for medals in 13 sporting events.
They also disclosed that the event involving stakeholders in the sector, and scheduled to hold in Abuja between February 8 to 14, will be used to celebrate 40 years of promoting unity, wellness and collaboration through sports.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games Sulaiman Sulaiman, who briefed newsmen in Abuja ahead of the the event, said that NOGI represented more than athletic competition.
According to him; “The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Games, which commenced in 2006, has grown into a premier biennial sporting event for the sector.”
Speaking further, Sulaiman said that the 2026 edition of the games is historic, as it will be marking four decades of its role in strengthening relationships across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry while fostering professionalism and healthy competition.
The LOC boss maintained that the games brings together indigenous and international oil companies, operators, regulators and affiliated institutions on a single platform to compete.
He said: “The 20th edition of the games will host about 1,200 contingents and athletes who will compete in 13 sporting events.
“Participants are expected from 15 oil and gas companies and regulatory bodies. NOGI goes beyond sports.
“It represents workforce wellness and resilience, industry cohesion, healthy rivalry anchored on professionalism, and collaboration beyond corporate boundaries,” Sulaiman said.
“Over the past four decades, the games had helped to strengthen relationships that continue to enhance operational cooperation across the oil and gas sector.
“The industry remains a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economy and a key contributor to global energy supply, especially at a time when the global energy landscape is evolving.
“Platforms such as NOGI reinforce the values that sustain progress, teamwork, discipline, excellence, inclusiveness and shared purpose.
“An industry that competes together in sports builds trust and strength in business collaboration,” he added.
Similarly, the chairman, Sub Committee, Technical, Olutayo Akande, assured that arrangements have been made to wade off mercenaries.
“The LOC is made up of representatives from 15 participating companies, and is poised to deliver a safe and well-coordinated event, ensure fairness and integrity, promote inclusive participation and leave a lasting legacy worthy of the milestone edition.
“Mechanism is already in place in all the participating establishments to ensure registration of participants aimed at discouraging participation of mercenaries.
“Medals and awards will be giving to winning teams as part of encouragement to them,” he said.
