NMDPRA Clears F-500 for Petroleum Operations

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has approved the use of F-500 Encapsulator as a fire suppression agent in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The Authority disclosed that the approval followed the successful completion of a regulatory evaluation of the product’s documentation, including its technical specifications, Safety Data Sheet and acute eco-toxicity test results conducted under Nigerian environmental conditions.

According to the regulator, 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.

In a notice issued to stakeholders, the Authority stated that the approval was granted in line with its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act and pursuant to the Midstream and Downstream Safety Regulations 2023.

It said, “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, in the exercise of its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and pursuant to the Midstream and Downstream Safety Regulations 2023, hereby notifies all midstream and downstream petroleum licensees, operators and service providers of the approval for the use of F-500 Encapsulator as a fire-suppression agent within petroleum handling facilities.”

The Authority added that the approval followed a detailed review of the product data submitted, noting that the evaluation confirmed its suitability for use within the sector.

“Accordingly, the Authority recognises the suitability of this class of fire-suppression technology for use in midstream and downstream petroleum operations, where applicable,” it stated.

NMDPRA further advised stakeholders to ensure that any deployment or operational use of the product complies fully with existing regulatory requirements and aligns with industry best practices.

In a separate letter addressed to the Managing Director of Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited, the Authority outlined specific conditions attached to the approval.

It stated that the use of F-500 Encapsulator must comply with relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 as well as the Midstream and Downstream Environmental Regulations 2023.

The Authority warned that any changes in the product’s composition, whether in whole or in part, without its consent would render the approval invalid, adding that such changes must be reported for re-certification before further use. It also disclosed that the approval is valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance.

“We are pleased to inform you of the acceptance of the technical product data, including the Safety Data Sheet submitted on F-500 Encapsulator, as well as the results of the acute eco-toxicity tests carried out under Nigerian environmental conditions,” the letter read.

“Consequently, approval is hereby granted for the use of the product as a fire suppressant, subject to compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and the Midstream and Downstream Environmental Regulations 2023.”

The Authority further directed the company to submit quarterly inventory reports of the product sold, stressing that under no circumstance should the product be distributed outside the validity period of the approval.