Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Friday made an unscheduled visit to a facility linked to Nigerian Breweries Plc in Aba following a fire outbreak, calling for heightened preparedness against emergencies.
The governor, who assessed the damage at the scene, commended the swift response of the State Fire Service, describing it as timely and effective in containing the blaze.
The fire, which broke out on Thursday afternoon at about 3:20 p.m. at an open space leased from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, affected only empty crates, with no casualties recorded.
It was brought under control before 6:00 p.m.
While expressing gratitude that the incident did not escalate, Otti stressed the need for constant vigilance and safety readiness.
“It’s surprising because the location is an open field, but anything could have triggered it — a cigarette, a matchstick. The key is to always be prepared,” he said.
The governor noted he initially did not realise the affected site was linked to Nigerian Breweries due to its distance from the main plant.
A representative of the company, Chief Engineer Engr. Benjamin Okore, said the fire started after a staff member raised an alarm, adding that internal emergency measures were immediately activated before external support was sought.
He confirmed that the affected area was not part of the main brewing facility and praised the combined efforts of the Abia State Fire Service in extinguishing the fire.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for businesses, noting the long-standing presence of Nigerian Breweries in the state.
Top government officials accompanied the governor on the inspection visit.
