ABIA STATE GOVT. COMPLETES STATEWIDE SAFETY AUDIT OF HIGH-RISE BILLBOARDS, MOVES TO ENGAGE OWNERS AS ENFORCEMENT PHASE BEGINS

The Abia State Government has taken a decisive step to safeguard lives and restore environmental order as the Abia Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) concludes a comprehensive, science-driven audit of all high-rise billboards and outdoor advertising installations across the state.

The statewide assessment, described as the most thorough safety audit ever carried out on Abia’s outdoor advertising infrastructure, examined every major high-rise board to determine its structural stability and suitability for public exposure. The review focused on material durability, structural balance, load-bearing strength, installation quality, corrosion levels, weather impact, and overall engineering integrity. Authorities emphasized that the exercise prioritized physical safety conditions over mere paperwork, aligning with global best practices for outdoor media safety.

With the technical evaluation now completed, ABSSAA is set to begin an intensive engagement phase with billboard owners, outdoor media companies, and installation contractors. During this engagement, operators will be briefed on the findings related to their structures and advised on necessary reinforcement, reconstruction, or total replacement, depending on the level of risk detected.

Any structure found to be weak, unstable, rust-compromised, poorly installed, or generally unsafe will face immediate corrective action. The agency maintains that no billboard considered hazardous will be allowed to remain standing, as the government prioritizes accident prevention and the protection of human lives.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABSSAA, Hon. Mrs. Victoria Dibumma Onwubiko, reaffirmed that the state government is fully committed to a preventive and safety-first regulatory culture. She stressed that public safety overrides every other consideration, and operators must comply with the new mandatory safety requirements in order to continue functioning legally within Abia State.

She restated the administration’s commitment to promoting responsible outdoor advertising that supports business growth, enhances the beauty of the urban environment, and maintains strict safety and environmental standards.