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The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the recent fire outbreaks in oil sector reinforced the urgent need for innovative and technology-driven solutions to enhance safety and disaster preparedness.

Speaking Tuesday in Abuja, at a one-day forum in partnership with key partners with the theme “Advancing Fire Safety in the Oil and Gas Sector of Nigeria through Technological Solutions” the Minister, represented by the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, called for the private and public sector to invest in fire safety technology and infrastructure.

He urged the stakeholders to strengthen regulatory compliance to ensure adherence to safety standards, training and capacity building for emergency responders.

“The cost of neglecting fire safety far outweighs the investment in prevention so let us prioritise proactive measures over reactive firefighting-both literally and figuratively.

“The federal government alone cannot drive this change, it requires the active participation of industry stakeholders, technology providers, and regulatory bodies.

“The Ministry of Interior under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu will continue to support initiatives that promote safety in critical sectors, including the oil and gas industry.

“We are open to partnerships that will drive innovation, improve regulations, and ultimately save lives and protect national assets,” the minister said.

Also speaking, National President,
Petroleum Retail Outlets of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, called on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to adopt the use of F-500 encapsulator fire fighting technology in tackling fire emergencies.

PETROAN said the adoption of F-500 by the petroleum sector will enhance safety at retail outlets and depots, regulate compliance and best practices, mitigate cost-effective risk and ensure environmental protection.

The traditional firefighting methods often fail to rapidly suppress fuel fires, leading to prolonged incidents and greater destruction.

“We are confident that the F-500 encapsulator technology, designed to tackle a wide range of fire hazards, will present a transformative solution by neutralizing fuels and rapidly reducing heat,” he said.

Gillis-Harry recommended that a collaborative approach among industry stakeholders should be implemented to accelerate F-500 adoption in the oil and gas industry.

He further advocated for regulatory agencies to mandate F-500 integration in new and existing facilities as part of fire safety compliance.

“Oil marketing companies & retail outlets should deploy F-500 in high-risk locations and also train their staff on F-500 application techniques.

“The FFS and States Fire Service and emergency responders should equip fire trucks with F-500 mobile units for industrial fire response,” he appealed.

He assured the fire service and other stakeholders of PETROAN’s commitment to effective collaboration.

Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director (ED), Safety, Environment And Community (HSEC) said that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in response to the high rate of truck fire and explosions, had set up a committee.

Lamorde said the Technical Working Committee which involved key stakeholders were to come up with measurable resolutions to fire tanker fires.

He said some of the output from the committee was to ensure reduction in the capacity of trucks in transit, emphasize that all trucks must not be loaded above 60,000 liters.

“Introduction of safety law initiative so that from the point of loading, the drivers are inspected to be sure that they are fit as well as road worthy.

“Ensuring that only trucks fitted with anti-spill devices and proper safety fittings are permitted to load products amongst other intervention approaches,” he said.