Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Friday paid an unscheduled visit to a facility associated with Nigerian Breweries Plc in Aba following a fire outbreak that occurred a day earlier.

The visit was aimed at evaluating the extent of damage caused by the incident, which took place in an open area leased from the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

Governor Otti praised the prompt response of the Abia State Fire Service, noting that their swift action helped contain the situation and prevent further destruction.

The fire, which started around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, was brought under control before 6:00 p.m. Reports indicate that only empty crates were affected, with no bottles involved and no casualties recorded.

Speaking at the scene, the governor expressed relief that the incident did not escalate, while highlighting the importance of constant readiness for emergencies.

“Looking at the area, it is not a place you would expect such an incident to occur, being an open field. Anything could have triggered it — a match, a cigarette, or something else — but preparedness remains key,” he said.

He explained that although he had been monitoring the situation, he initially did not realize the facility was linked to Nigerian Breweries due to its location, adding that this became clear only after the fire had been contained.

Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for businesses, emphasizing that the government remains focused on helping investors succeed.

“Our responsibility is to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and that is what the new Abia stands for,” he stated.

During the visit, the Brewery Manager, represented by Chief Engineer Benjamin Okore, clarified that the fire did not affect the main production plant. He explained that the company activated its internal emergency response system immediately after the fire was detected before seeking additional support from external agencies, including the state fire service.

Okore added that the combined efforts successfully extinguished the fire before 6:00 p.m., noting that an assessment of the damage is still ongoing. He also commended the Abia State Fire Service for its role in managing the situation.

The governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, as well as the mayors of Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas, alongside other senior government officials.