The Abia State government has announced plans to introduce and enforce strict regulations on billboard installations throughout the state following a fatal accident in Aba where a giant billboard collapsed onto tricycles during Wednesday's rainfall.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon during a rainstorm, resulted in one death and left several passengers with serious injuries when the structure fell onto passing tricycles in Enyimba city.

Obiọma Nwogbe, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Transportation, visited the scene and assured the public that the state government is taking urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

"What we have witnessed is both sad and unacceptable. We will introduce strict legislation and safety standards on all billboards and high-rise advertising structures," Nwogbe stated. "We will launch an audit of existing structures and strengthen enforcement mechanisms through safety compliance teams."

The planned regulations will include enforcement of safety standards for all billboards and advertising structures across the state, comprehensive audits of existing installations, and the establishment of dedicated safety compliance teams to ensure adherence to the new guidelines.

Timothy Kalu Iheke, Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, who led rescue operations at the scene, condemned the structural weaknesses of the collapsed billboard and placed blame on its construction.

"It is regrettable that someone had to lose their life in this manner. The billboard lacked a solid foundation and should never have been approved," Iheke remarked.

The incident has highlighted concerns about the safety standards of advertising structures in urban areas, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The state government's response indicates a shift toward stricter oversight of such installations to protect public safety.

Local residents have welcomed the government's swift response, though many have questioned why such regulations were not already in place to prevent such accidents.