Abia Government Pays Over ₦20 Million Compensation to Victims of Billboard Collapse

The Abia State Government (ABSG) has disbursed over ₦20 million in compensation to victims of a billboard collapse that occurred in Aba a few months ago.

The tragic incident, which took place on May 28, 2025, near the popular Salad Market in Aba, involved the collapse of a privately owned billboard. The accident claimed the life of a tricyclist and left several others, including shop owners and fellow cyclists, injured.

Through the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA), compensation was paid to nine affected individuals. The widow of the deceased tricyclist, Mrs. Chioma Destiny, received ₦9.6 million, while other tricyclists received ₦1.6 million each, and shop owners were given ₦500,000 each.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques at the Government House, Umuahia, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, recalled the unfortunate incident and explained that the decision to compensate the victims reflected Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to citizen welfare.

He said the government, in collaboration with ABSAA and the billboard owners, developed measures to support the victims’ recovery and help them return to their livelihoods.

“There are about five tricycle owners; each will receive ₦1.6 million, and their damaged tricycles will be returned to them. The two shop owners whose businesses were affected will receive ₦500,000 each. The deceased’s wife, Mrs. Chioma Destiny, will receive ₦8 million to restart her life and ₦1.6 million for her husband’s damaged tricycle, which will also be handed back to her,” Nwaogbe explained.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for approving the compensation and overseeing the burial arrangements for the deceased, describing the gesture as compassionate and unprecedented. He also appealed to the relatives of the deceased not to misuse the funds given to the widow, emphasizing that the money is meant for her business and the education of her children.

In her remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABSAA, Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, noted that following the incident, her agency and the Ministry of Transport engaged extensively with the billboard owners, who accepted responsibility for the damages.

She explained that the state government, through ABSAA, made the payments upfront to provide timely relief for the victims while recovery from the responsible parties continues.

“This action demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of every resident. Today’s payment is not just compensation it is a statement of accountability,” she said.

Mrs. Onwubiko added that the agency has begun an audit of all high-rise billboards across the state to ensure their structural integrity. She affirmed that the government is committed to strengthening regulations and preventing similar incidents in the future.

“Our priority remains the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our environment. Step by step, we are building a safer, more organised, and aesthetically enhanced Abia,” she added.

One of the beneficiaries and Chairman of ASTOPU, Mr. Azubuike Victor, who is also a cyclist, thanked Governor Otti for the unprecedented gesture, describing it as a true reflection of a government that cares.

The widow of the deceased, Mrs. Chioma Destiny, also expressed her gratitude to Governor Otti for the ₦9.6 million compensation, pledging to invest the money in business and use it to train her children.