Lagos: The 20th edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) ended on a triumphant note as Team NLNG emerged overall champions with an impressive haul of 20 gold to top the medals table. The team in addition had 16 silver and 16 bronze medals, as NNPC Ltd. won 14 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze to finish in second place, while Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board finished third with five gold, eight silver, and five bronze.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the win reinforced NLNG’s dominance at the landmark sporting event that had become a symbol of unity across the petroleum value chain. The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, underscored the deeper significance of the Games beyond medals and trophies. He remarked that the four decades of cohesion marked by this 20th edition represent a remarkable milestone.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, noted that the Games reflected over four decades of unity, friendship, and collaboration within one of Nigeria’s most strategic industries. The ministers commended the organisers, sponsors, and participants for sustaining an initiative that has grown beyond a mere sporting competition into a platform for cohesion, wellness, and shared purpose across the oil and gas ecosystem.
Ekpo stated that the healthy competition, teamwork, discipline, and excellence displayed over the past few days mirror the foundations upon which Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is built. He linked the spirit of the Games to the ongoing transformation within the petroleum sector, driven by reforms, innovation, and a collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and value creation.
He emphasised that a productive workforce must also be a healthy one, noting that initiatives such as NOGIG have helped to promote physical well-being, mental resilience, and work-life balance. The minister added that these are critical ingredients for operational excellence and safety in a demanding energy environment. He concluded by recognising that the teamwork and resilience displayed on the field are essential to achieving national energy objectives.
Speaking after the victory, the General Manager, Production, NLNG, Nnamdi Anowi, described the triumph as a testament not just to athletic preparation but to teamwork and resilience. Anowi highlighted the value of networking and collaboration fostered by the Games, noting that connections and networks built during the event would strengthen the industry.
The last day of events saw a keenly contested football final, as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) defeated NLNG by a lone goal to lift the trophy. The third-place match was equally dramatic, with Oando edging NNPC Ltd. 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at full time. The football showpiece drew loud cheers from supporters and exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship that defined the week-long event.