Abia State Launches Safety Audit on Billboards Following Aba Unipole Collapse
Following the recent collapse of a unipole billboard structure in Aba, Abia State, the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSAA) has swung into action by establishing an interdepartmental committee to investigate the root cause of the incident. The development has prompted an urgent regulatory response, placing the spotlight on billboard safety and structural compliance across the state.
The incident, which was widely circulated on social media, raised concerns over the integrity of existing outdoor advertising infrastructure, prompting ABSAA to initiate a thorough audit of all billboard structures within its jurisdiction.
As part of this move, ABSAA has officially requested that all practitioners operating in Abia State submit technical documentation for their existing billboard structures. This includes structural drawings, engineering certifications, and other relevant safety compliance records.
“The fallen billboard has compelled the regulatory body to scrutinize all standing billboards in the state,” a spokesperson for the Agency said. “The safety of citizens and the integrity of outdoor advertising infrastructure are paramount.”
The directive comes amid growing concerns around aging billboard structures, substandard fabrication, and improper installation practices. By requiring documentation, ABSAA aims to identify at-risk installations, enforce compliance with safety standards, and prevent future tragedies.
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What This Means for Outdoor Advertisers:
- All OOH practitioners must promptlysubmit structural and engineering documentation for every billboard in the state.
- The submitted details will be reviewed by the interdepartmental committee to assess risk and determine compliance.
- Non-compliant structures may be marked for removal, reinforcement, or penalization.
Industry Impact:
This marks a significant regulatory tightening for the OOH advertising industry in Abia State and could set a precedent for similar actions in other states. Practitioners are advised to act swiftly, ensuring full transparency and cooperation with ABSAA to maintain their structures and protect public safety.
As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to how the outdoor advertising industry responds both in Abia and beyond.
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