The Kwara State Fire Service has intensified efforts to strengthen safety standards and regulatory compliance through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency's Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, following a courtesy visit by the Fire Service Director, CFS Alabi Muhammed, to the regulatory authority in Ilorin.

According to the statement, the visit was part of deliberate steps to reinforce inter-agency collaboration, particularly in the regulation and monitoring of petroleum filling stations and gas facilities across the state.

The State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Atiku Ibrahim, congratulated the new Fire Service Director on his appointment and commended the agency's professionalism.

"We commend the Kwara State Fire Service for its professionalism and consistent enforcement of safety standards. Your prompt response to emergencies and dedication to public safety have significantly enhanced confidence in fire safety management within the state," Ibrahim said.

The Operational Manager of NMDPRA presented a briefing on statutory safety guidelines and regulatory requirements for approving petroleum and gas facilities.

"Before any petroleum filling station or gas facility is approved, certain pre-establishment conditions must be met. These include compliance with approved site specifications, installation of fixed safety equipment, and adherence to operational safety protocols," he said.

He added that post-establishment inspections remain critical to ensuring continuous compliance and safeguarding lives, property and investments.

In his remarks, Fire Service Director Alabi Muhammed appreciated NMDPRA's role in enforcing regulatory standards within the petroleum sector.

"Strengthened collaboration between our agencies will undoubtedly enhance fire prevention strategies and regulatory enforcement in Kwara State. Our service remains fully prepared to work closely with NMDPRA to promote safer operational standards and reduce fire-related risks," he said.

The statement noted that both agencies agreed to deepen cooperation in the interest of public safety and sustainable development.

The renewed partnership comes amid growing concerns over safety compliance in petroleum and gas facilities nationwide, following several fire incidents at filling stations and gas plants in recent years.