The Abia State Government, through the Abia Structures Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA), will demolish billboards and outdoor advertising structures that threaten public safety. This decision follows a comprehensive integrity assessment of high-rise advertising structures across the state. Authorities said the measure will prevent accidents and protect residents.
Integrity Tests Reveal Safety Risks
ABSSAA engineers inspected each billboard, checking structural strength, material quality, installation methods, and overall safety. Their findings revealed several weak or poorly installed structures. Consequently, the agency will act quickly to enforce corrections or removals.
Owners Will Receive Guidance
ABSSAA will meet with outdoor media owners to present the evaluation results. It will recommend reinforcements or replacements. If owners ignore the guidance or cannot fix the issues, the agency will remove the billboards entirely. This approach ensures compliance with international advertising safety standards.
Preventive Action After Recent Tragedy
The demolition initiative follows a recent billboard collapse in Aba that claimed a life. The state compensated the victim’s family and vowed to prevent similar incidents. By prioritizing safety, ABSSAA aims to eliminate hazards before they harm residents.
Promoting Orderly Urban Spaces
Moreover, authorities said the policy will maintain environmental order and improve the city’s appearance. Officials stressed that public safety remains their top priority. Therefore, unsafe and non-compliant structures will no longer remain standing.
