The 20th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) started in Abuja, yesterday, with 1,200 athletes representing 15 companies beginning the battle for medals across 13 sporting events.

Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, yesterday, at the MKO Abiola Stadiun, Abuja, the organisers described the event as a historic milestone that marks 40 years of unity, collaboration and excellence within the oil sector.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Sulaiman Sulaiman, said the 2026 Games is being attended by over 1,200 athletes, who are competing across 13 sporting disciplines.

According to him, participants are drawn from 15 oil and gas companies, regulators and affiliated institutions, making the event one of the largest sporting gatherings within Nigeria’s corporate sector.

Sulaiman noted that NOGIG, which began in 2006, has grown into the premier biennial sporting platform for the oil and gas industry, fostering interaction among international oil companies, indigenous operators and regulatory bodies.

He said the Games go beyond competition, serving as a platform for promoting workforce wellness, resilience and industry cohesion, while encouraging healthy rivalry anchored on professionalism and shared values.

“For four decades, NOGIG has helped to strengthen relationships across the industry, relationships that continue to enhance collaboration and operational efficiency,” Sulaiman said.

He also highlighted the broader national significance of the event, describing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as a critical pillar of the economy and a key contributor to global energy supply.

“At a time when the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving,