The Abia State Advertising and Signage Agency (ABSAA) has confirmed that the outdoor advertising company responsible for the collapsed billboard that claimed a life in Aba has fully covered the burial expenses of the deceased.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABSAA, Mrs. Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Wednesday. She also revealed that the company is in advanced discussions with the Abia State Government regarding compensation for those injured and other affected parties.
Addressing criticisms that the agency remained silent in the wake of the tragedy, Onwubiko stated that ABSAA had been actively engaging with the firm involved, ensuring it cooperates fully with relevant authorities.
“We did not abandon our responsibilities or the victims, contrary to what some people have alleged. The company has already offset the full cost of the burial of the deceased and is in advanced talks with the government on compensating the injured and other impacted individuals,” she said.
Onwubiko further stated that ABSAA is currently reviewing all existing billboard structures across the state to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The agency, she noted, is intensifying inspections, enforcing structural audits, and dismantling unapproved or potentially unsafe installations.
She added that ABSAA personnel were among the first responders during the incident, aiding in the rescue and evacuation of the injured to medical facilities.
“Our priority remains the safety of lives and property in Abia State,” she stressed. “We will, in due course, provide a comprehensive report on our findings, actions taken, and reforms being implemented to prevent future occurrences.”
