NMDPRA approves new fire technology for oil facilities

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s downstream regulator has approved the deployment of a new fire suppression technology across petroleum facilities, a move expected to enhance operational safety and reduce fire risks in the midstream and downstream sectors.

In a directive to operators, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, announced the approval of F-500 Encapsulator for use in petroleum handling environments following a comprehensive technical and environmental evaluation.

The Authority stated that the approval was granted “in the exercise of its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA 2021,” and in line with the Midstream and Downstream Safety Regulations 2023.

According to the regulator, the product underwent detailed assessment, including scrutiny of its technical specifications, Safety Data Sheet, and eco-toxicity performance under Nigerian conditions.

“The assessment confirmed that the product demonstrates acceptable fire-suppression performance and complies with the required safety and environmental standards for controlled application in petroleum operations,” the Authority said.

It added that the decision formally recognizes “the suitability of this class of fire-suppression technology for use in Midstream and Downstream petroleum operations, where applicable.”

Operators and service providers were, however, cautioned to ensure strict compliance with existing regulations in deploying the technology.

“All stakeholders are therefore advised to take note of this development and ensure that any deployment or operational application fully complies with existing regulatory requirements and aligns with industry best practices,” the statement noted.

The Authority added that the new approval signifies a broader regulatory push to modernize safety infrastructure across Nigeria’s petroleum value chain, particularly as operators scale up investments under the Petroleum Industry Act framework.