The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved the F-500 Encapsulator Agent fire suppressant for use across midstream and downstream petroleum operations, subject to strict three-year conditions and regulatory monitoring.

The fluorine-free agent is now cleared for deployment in depots, pipelines and processing facilities, the NMDPRA said in a circular dated March 12, 2026 and signed by Mustapha Lamorde, PhD, on behalf of the Authority Chief Executive.

The sector-wide approval followed a two-step process.

Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited received company-specific clearance in February 2025 after the product passed Safety Data Sheet validation and eco-toxicity tests under Nigerian conditions.

The March directive extends eligibility to all licensees, operators, and service providers.

Under the Petroleum Industry Act and 2023 environmental regulations, the NMDPRA said the approval is conditional and revocable. It runs for three years from March 12, 2026.

Operators must comply fully with existing petroleum and environmental laws. Any change to the product’s formulation without prior approval voids the clearance and triggers mandatory re-certification.

Distributors must file quarterly inventory returns showing volumes imported, distributed, and deployed. The regulator reserves the right to review, revise, or withdraw approval based on field performance or new evidence.

The F-500 Encapsulator Agent offers a non-toxic, fluorine-free alternative to older foam systems that have raised environmental concerns. Fire risk remains a major hazard in petroleum storage and transport.

The NMDPRA said the rollout will be closely monitored to ensure field performance matches technical claims. For operators, the approval adds fire response capability but also increases reporting and compliance duties.

Managing Director of Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited, Sir Oghenekaro Jockey expressed joy over the approval granted by the regulatory agency.

Jockey assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to excellent service delivery.

Update news