The Abia State Government has paid a total of N20 million as compensation to victims of the billboard collapse that occurred near Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, on May 28, 2025.
The privately owned billboard, mounted along the Aba–Owerri Road, collapsed during a storm, killing a commercial tricycle operator, injuring several people, and damaging nearby shops.
Governor Alex Otti also covered the medical expenses of the injured victims.
Nine individuals received compensation, including the widow of the deceased tricycle operator, Mrs Chioma Destiny, who was paid N9.6 million to support her children’s welfare and invest in small-scale business ventures. Other affected tricycle operators received N1.6 million each, while two shop owners whose businesses were damaged were given N500,000 each.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, who represented the governor during the disbursement ceremony at the Government House, Umuahia, said the compensation was facilitated in collaboration with the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA) and the owners of the billboard.
He explained that the intervention was designed to help victims recover their livelihoods and return to business, adding that replacement tricycles would be provided to affected operators.
Nwaogbe cautioned relatives of the deceased tricyclist against interfering with the funds given to his widow, emphasising that the money was strictly for her use in supporting her children and establishing a source of income.
He commended Governor Otti for the approval and noted that the administration’s gesture was a demonstration of compassion and accountability.
The Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Mr Azubuike Victor, and some of the beneficiaries lauded the governor for the assistance, describing it as unprecedented in the state.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of ABSAA, Mrs Victoria Onwubiko, said the agency had strengthened its regulatory framework to prevent future billboard collapses.
She said the agency had begun an audit of all high-rise boards across the state to ensure their structural integrity, in line with its priority of safeguarding lives and maintaining environmental standards.
According to her, the government is instituting improved processes to enforce proper standards in outdoor advertising and signage, as part of efforts to build a safer, more organised and aesthetically enhanced Abia State.
