NOGIG 2026: Workforce wellness key to industry growth – Ojulari

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, says the oil and gas sector is committed to staff fitness, wellness and collaboration.

Ojulari communicated this on Sunday at the opening of the 20th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) in Abuja.

The NNPC boss, who is also the Grand Patron of the Games, was represented by Olalekan Ogunleye, the Executive Vice-President (EVP), Gas, Power and New Energy, NNPC Ltd.

Ojulari said the sector placed premium value on the physical and mental wellbeing of its workforce.

“A fit and agile workforce is critical to driving productivity and positioning the nation’s economy for sustainable growth.”

According to him, improved fitness and wellness among workers have contributed significantly to increased production output in the oil and gas industry.

Ojulari noted that such gains ultimately benefitted the country.

“The sector needs staff members that are fit to be able to discharge their duties effectively.

“The oil and gas industry requires an agile workforce to take the nation’s economy to enviable heights, hence the importance of the Games,” Ojulari said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Sulaiman Sulaiman, said the level of participation reflected the strength, cohesion and collaborative spirit within the industry.

Sulaiman commended Ojulari for his leadership and sustained support for the Games, as well as chief executives and management teams of participating companies for prioritising staff welfare by releasing athletes in spite of demanding operational schedules.

He said the gesture underscored the industry’s recognition of human capital as its most valuable asset.

The LOC chairman assured participants of adequate and comprehensive comprehensive security arrangements in collaboration with relevant agencies.

He added that trained coordinators, qualified technical officials and fully equipped medical teams had been deployed across all venues to ensure safety, fairness and professionalism.

Sulaiman described NOGIG as more than a sporting competition, noting that it served as a platform to promote wellness, strengthen collaboration and enhance productivity across the oil and gas value chain.

Supreme news reports that the opening ceremony featured a march past by participating companies and a novelty table tennis match between Shell and NNPC Ltd., which ended 11–3 in favour of Shell.

The week-long sporting event, holding from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14 at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, features 15 oil and gas companies competing in 13 sporting events.