By Sunny Canto
Incredibly, the 20th edition of NOGIG; also known as Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games, has drawn the cutton of a week-long sporting activities to a close in FCT, Abuja.
However, tagged 'Empowering wellness and Igniting Productivity' making it a remarkable and milestone achievement as One Thousand plus athletes; coaches and officials from the fifteen companies namely; NNPC, Chevron, NCDMB, Oando, Aradel, PTI, NUPRC, ExxonMobile, NLNG, Shell, Seplat, TotalEnergies, ND Western, Renaissance featured in thirteen sporting activities from (8th-14th) February, 2026.
Speaking to newsmen, LOC Chairman (Sulieman) says "I'm delighted and satisfied with this year's edition; though we had few glitches, let me use this medium to applaud and appreciate my Committee members; Press; Medicals for a commendable job. And its been funfair; amazing moment for us all to connect" he add, "2026 NOGIG has been fabulous, because it is the biggest platform to network, reunite and compete as professions from different organization also, we are definitely going to review our performance and improve on it" Suleiman assure.
Earlier, sport like Golf was concluded in Portharcourt and Football preliminaries as well; besides team NLNG emerged overall winner smashing 20 gold, 16 silver, 16 bronze while NNPC clinch second position winning 14 gold, 15 silver, 20 bronze as NCDMB settle for third with 5 gold, 8 silver, 5 bronze.
According to NLNG (Sport Director) while addressing Journalist; "NLNG athletes are ready to compete and win; because at Lagos 18th edition of NOGIG, we emerged third position; year 2024 we came second now historical overall winners" he said.
Chima continued that, "Our contingents are always one step ahead of others and we begin early preparations immediately NOGIG round-up" Chima concluded.
Nigeria film maker and popular comedian; Ayo Makun also known as AY showcased his Football skills during the closing ceremony held at MainBowl of Package A, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja. Despite the limited time given to him both in the Opening and Closing; everyone was entertained to an unforgettable experience as he cracked jokes; jogged the ball; taught Table-Table; inspired Athletes, Coaches and the entire crowd.
Amazingly, ExxonMobile (MD) Mr. Jagair Baxi played Basketball and won bronze medal with his teammates; Seye Solomon, Obi Okafor, Danito to mention but a few while veterans champions like William Ibiba (Table-Tennis & Tennis); Adebayo Joseph (Table-Tennis), Hajia Husseina (Badminton), Sikiru Ogunowo (Badminton), NOGIG Golf and Volleyball stars like: Zuwariat Asekome and Pamela Sani displayed exceptional skills, unique talents.
"I'm a debutant in NOGIG; also Basketball has been my passion from childhood" Besides, it feels great winning because the game brings us together. Also, it was nice making some friends and I really enjoyed myself"
Meanwhile, the fans were thrilled during Athletics 200m; 400m; 800m; Relay race as Football final and Match Past captivated the attention of the massive crowd.
The highlight of the day came as a shock when team NCDMB under Coach Kaka Kabiru won their NLNG opponent (1-0) as Saka Yusuf deliver a sensational strike at 49th minute before the game ended while Coach Edet led side fall-short (4-5) on penalty to Oando plc during the third-place encounter.
Gracing the memorable occasion are ExxonMoble (Managing Director) Jagair Baxi; Renaissance Mr. Igo Weli (Corporate Relations), PTI (CEO and Principal) Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji; NCDMB (Commission Chief Executive) Mrs. Oritemeyiwa Eyesan, Shell boss Mr. David Aghaiyo, NMDCB (Authority Chief) Engr. Aliyu Mohammed, TotalEnergies (Country Chair) Mr. Mathieu Bouyer, Mrs. Folashade Adekeye (NNPCL Representative), Oando Plc (GM, Base & District Management) Mr. Solomon Agba; NSC representatives and other government functionaries.
