Abia State Government Pays Over ₦20 Million Compensation to Victims and Widow of Fatal Aba Billboard Collapse

The Abia State Government today, Monday, November 10, 2025, finalized its commitment to the victims of the tragic billboard collapse that occurred earlier this year, announcing and immediately disbursing over ₦20 million in compensation to the affected families and injured individuals.

The incident, which took place on May 28, 2025, at the Salad Market junction in Aba, resulted in the death of a tricyclist, Mr. Destiny Uguru, and left several other tricyclists and shop owners injured and financially displaced.

The payment, which was channeled through the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA), was presented at the Government House, Umuahia. The largest beneficiary was the wife of the deceased tricyclist, who received a sum of ₦9.6 million.

Speaking during the presentation, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, recalled the tragedy and reaffirmed the humane decision of the Governor Alex Otti administration to take full responsibility.

Targeted Relief for Nine Individuals

A total of nine individuals received financial compensation designed to help them restart their livelihoods. Beyond the payment to the deceased’s family, five other tricyclists received ₦1.6 million each, along with the retrieval of their damaged vehicles. Furthermore, two shop owners whose businesses were impacted by the falling structure were compensated with ₦500,000 each.

This action fulfills the directive issued by Governor Otti immediately following the tragedy, where he instructed the state government to bear the full cost of the victims’ hospital bills and initiate modalities for compensation in collaboration with ABSAA and the owners of the private billboard structure.

The Governor has also instructed ABSAA to conduct a comprehensive audit of all billboards in the state, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations and structural integrity to prevent any recurrence of such public safety hazards.