The management of the Ogun Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, Ogun State, has dismissed reports linking Sunday’s fire incident in the zone to a gas explosion, stressing that no lives were lost and no residential areas were affected.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and China-Africa Investment FZC, which oversees the zone, said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The statement, signed by Mr. Steve Makanjuola on behalf of both organisations, explained that the fire broke out at Good Mattress FZE, one of the companies operating within the free trade zone.
“The incident was promptly and professionally contained by the Ogun Free Trade Zone’s internal fire service team, working closely with the Ogun State Fire Service and other private emergency partners,” the management said.
According to the statement, the swift response prevented the fire from spreading to nearby facilities.
“This timely intervention ensured that adjoining enterprises were not affected. No casualties were recorded, and the situation was brought under control without posing a wider risk,” it added.
The clarification followed reports in parts of the media quoting residents who claimed the fire was caused by a gas explosion at a foam-producing factory within the industrial area.
Reacting to these claims, the management said, “Contrary to speculations circulating online, the fire was not the result of a gas explosion and did not extend to any residential community.”
It noted that the cause of the incident was still being investigated and assured that verified findings would be made public through official channels.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating that all operations within the free trade zone comply with relevant legal, safety, and regulatory standards.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of government agencies, host communities, and partner organisations during the incident. The coordinated response highlights the importance of preparedness and effective emergency management,” the statement said.
The management also urged the media and the public to rely on official sources for accurate information, warning that unverified reports could fuel unnecessary panic.
It assured residents and stakeholders that normalcy had been restored in the zone and that safety remains a top priority.
