NMDPRA Approves F-500 Encapsulator for Fire Safety In Oil, Gas Facilities

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has greenlit the use of F-500 Encapsulator as a fire-suppression agent in petroleum handling facilities, marking a boost for safety across midstream and downstream operations.

In a notice dated April 2 and addressed to all operators, licensees, and service providers, NMDPRA confirmed the approval under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and Midstream and Downstream Safety Regulations 2023. The decision came after rigorous evaluation of the product’s technical specs, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and eco-toxicity tests tailored to Nigerian conditions. Regulators verified that F-500 meets fire-suppression standards, safety protocols, and environmental benchmarks for controlled use in the sector.

“This approval recognizes F-500’s suitability for midstream and downstream petroleum operations where applicable,” the notice stated, signed by Mustapha Lamorde, for the Authority Chief Executive.

Operators are urged to deploy the agent only in full compliance with regulations and industry best practices. The move is expected to enhance fire risk management in fuel storage, pipelines, and refining amid Nigeria’s push for safer energy infrastructure.

(LEADERSHIP)