Abia Government to Demolish Unsafe Billboards After Aba Accident

In a decisive response to recent billboard accidents, the Abia State Government has vowed to pull down any outdoor advertising structure in the state that poses a danger to public safety.

The commitment follows a tragic incident on May 28, 2025, when a large billboard collapsed during a heavy downpour at the Salad Market junction in Aba, crushing several tricycles (kekes), injuring many, and killing one tricycle passenger. 

In the aftermath of the collapse, the Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) launched a statewide audit and structural integrity tests on all billboards. 

According to ABSSAA Managing Director Victoria Onwubiko, any billboard that fails technical or safety inspections will be immediately dismantled.

The agency is also rolling out stricter regulations: going forward, only certified engineers will be allowed to supervise the erection of new billboard structures.

Billboard owners are being required to submit technical drawings and engineering plans of their structures. Those who cannot provide compliant documentation risk having their installations removed.

In addition to this regulatory crackdown, the state has also promised support for victims of the earlier collapse. The government has committed to foot the hospital bills of injured victims and is working with billboard owners to compensate those affected.

Indeed, more than ₦20 million has reportedly been paid out in compensation to victims, including the family of the deceased and injured parties.

Hon. Onwubiko emphasized that the government’s priority is to safeguard lives and property, and that there will be zero tolerance for structures that do not meet established safety standards.