The Abia State Government (ABSG) has paid over ₦20 Million as compensation to victims of a billboard collapse that occurred in Aba a few months ago.
The unfortunate incident, which happened on 28 May 2025, involved the collapse of a privately owned billboard near the popular “Salad Market” in Aba and resulted in the death of a Tricyclist, injuries to several others, including fellow cyclists and shop owners operating within the vicinity.
A total of nine individuals received compensation through the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA). The wife of the deceased tricyclist received ₦9.6 million, while other affected tricyclists received ₦1.6 million each, and shop owners received ₦500,000 each.
Speaking during the official handover of the cheques at the Government House, Umuahia, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, commended the swift intervention of the administration of Governor Otti in providing relief to the victims.
He explained that the State Government, in collaboration with ABSAA and the owners of the billboard, had agreed on modalities to restore the livelihoods of all those affected by the tragedy.
“There are about five tricycle owners, so each of them will have ₦1.6 million. And then the old tricycles will be retrieved and handed over to them.
“Then the two men whose shops were affected will be given ₦500,000 each. And then the wife of the deceased, Chioma Destiny, will be given ₦8 million to help her start a new life or make an investment.
“₦1.6 million will also be given to her (Chioma Destiny) because her husband’s tricycle was among the ones damaged. The tricycle will be returned to her as well. This is what the Government has done to enable the affected people to return to their businesses”, Dr Nwaogbe said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for approving the funds, noting that the Governor also ensured that the burial of the deceased was properly supported by the State Government.
“Even the burial of the young man, we made sure that we were there and everything went on successfully”, he added.
Dr Nwaogbe advised the relatives of the deceased not to interfere with the money given to the widow, stressing that it was intended for her to start a business and train her children.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABSAA, Mrs Victoria Onwubiko, said the agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, engaged extensively with the owners of the affected billboard, who accepted responsibility and committed to compensating the victims.
She explained that to ensure timely relief and prevent further hardship, the State Government made the payments upfront through ABSAA, while arrangements for reimbursement from the responsible parties are ongoing.
“This action demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of every resident. Today’s payment is not just compensation, it is a statement of accountability.
“Moving forward, we are putting improved processes in place to ensure proper standards for outdoor advertising and signage across the state.
“This is part of a bigger vision for a more organised, safer, and aesthetically enhanced environment. The new Abia we are building values order. It values partnership and it values people”, Mrs Onwubiko said.
She further disclosed that ABSAA had commissioned an audit of all high-rise billboards across the state to verify their structural integrity.
“Our priority remains the safety of our citizens and the integrity of the environment in which we all live and work. Step by step, we are strengthening the regulatory framework to prevent a repeat of such incidents”, she added.
In appreciation, the Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Progressive Union (ASTOPU), Mr Azubuike Victor, who was also one of the victims, commended Governor Otti for the gesture, describing it as unprecedented.
Similarly, the widow of the deceased tricyclist, Mrs Chioma Destiny, thanked the Governor for the ₦9.6 million compensation, assuring that she would invest the money in business to train her children.
