The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has officially launched the 2026 National Engineering Games in Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to promoting healthy living, professional networking and unity among engineers across the country.
Declaring the competition open on Saturday, NSE President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, represented by the Society’s Deputy President, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, said the annual event, introduced in 2011, was created to provide engineers with an opportunity to unwind from the demands of their profession while encouraging physical fitness and overall well-being.
Rabiu said the initiative was founded on two key objectives: to enable engineers to take a well-earned break from their rigorous work schedules and to foster healthier lifestyles through sporting activities.
“When we launched this programme in 2011, it was with a dual intent: first, to give our engineers, who work tirelessly across all sectors of the economy, a well-deserved opportunity to take a break from their demanding schedules, engage in physical activity and promote overall fitness and wellness,” he said.
He noted that the Engineering Games had evolved into an important platform for social interaction and professional networking, bringing together engineers, government officials, private sector leaders and members of the diplomatic community.
“The Games serve as a strategic platform for social interaction and professional networking, bringing engineers together with government officials, key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, and members of the diplomatic community,” Rabiu added.
According to him, the competition has grown steadily over the years into a celebration of sportsmanship, healthy living and the shared values of unity, discipline and excellence that define the engineering profession.
Rabiu also announced the retention of the annual marathon, introduced in 2025 in honour of former NSE President Engr. Habu Gumel, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to both engineering and sports administration.
He described Gumel as “a distinguished sports administrator and a unique example of how engineering leadership can extend its influence to the global sports arena.”
The NSE President commended participants for their enthusiasm and praised the National Engineering Games Committee for successfully organising this year’s competition.
“I wish all participants fair competition, memorable experiences and, above all, a safe and successful sporting engagement,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the 2026 National Engineering Games Committee, Engr. Giandomenico Massari, described the event as more than just a sporting competition, saying it symbolises unity, teamwork and wellness within the engineering profession.
“Today marks not just the commencement of a sporting event, but the celebration of unity, wellness, teamwork and the human spirit within the engineering profession,” Massari said.
He stressed that engineers, whose responsibilities involve designing, building and maintaining critical national infrastructure, must also prioritise their own physical and mental well-being.
“In our demanding profession, where we design, build and sustain the infrastructure of society, it is equally important that we take deliberate steps to care for our health and well-being,” he said.
Massari added that sport remains a universal language capable of breaking social, cultural and physical barriers while promoting inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities.
He said this year’s edition features the NSE Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon and Awareness Walk alongside several indoor sporting events designed to encourage a healthy work-life balance among engineering professionals.
He also expressed appreciation to the NSE leadership, sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
“Beyond winning medals, the true victory lies in building friendships, strengthening professional bonds and promoting a culture of healthy living,” Massari said.
The 2026 National Engineering Games will be held in three phases across Abuja and Maiduguri.
The opening phase began on Saturday with the Habu Gumel Marathon Walk and Awareness Parade at the National Engineering Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, before shifting to Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for competitions in chess, Monopoly, Ayo, Scrabble, badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, volleyball and basketball, among other events.
The second phase, featuring golf and football competitions, is scheduled for later in the year. Golf will take place on 31 October at the TYB International Golf Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja, while the football tournament, including the regional play-offs and knockout rounds, will be held on 21 November at the Turf Arena in Abuja.
The Games will conclude on 29 November with a closing ceremony at the International Conference Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, where winners will be honoured with awards and prizes alongside cultural performances.
The NSE said participation in the competition is restricted to its registered corporate, graduate and student members.