Families affected by a fatal billboard collapse in Aba have received more than ₦20 million in compensation from the Abia State Government, months after the incident claimed the life of a tricyclist and injured several others.
The collapse, which occurred on 28 May near the Salad Market, prompted Governor Alex Otti to direct that all hospital bills for the victims be fully covered by the state. He also ordered a comprehensive audit of billboards across Abia to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Nine victims benefited from the compensation, including the widow of the deceased tricyclist, who received a combined ₦9.6 million—₦8 million for business support and an additional ₦1.6 million for the damaged tricycle, which is also being returned to her. Other tricyclists received ₦1.6 million each, while shop owners affected by the collapse were given ₦500,000 apiece.
Speaking during the cheque presentation in Umuahia, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, said the government worked with the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA) and the billboard owners to ensure all victims could rebuild their livelihoods.
ABSAA’s Managing Director, Victoria Onwubiko, said the agency took immediate steps to provide relief to victims while holding the responsible parties accountable. She added that the government had launched an audit of high-rise billboards across the state and was strengthening regulations to prevent a recurrence.
She described the payments as “a statement of accountability” and said the new processes would ensure safer, better-regulated outdoor advertising across Abia.
Victims expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, with the chairman of the tricycle association, Azubuike Victor, calling the gesture unprecedented. The widow of the deceased, Chioma Destiny, said the funds would help her start a business and care for her children.
