EBERE UZOUKWA, Ph.D.
The Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) has been making significant strides in the outdoor advertising sector under the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. The Agency has embarked on a mission to transform the state’s outdoor advertising landscape.
According to the MD/CEO, Hon. Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, ABSSAA was significantly underperforming, with low revenue, fragile public trust, and weak enforcement mechanisms. But, today, the Agency has within the period under review implemented bold reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and innovation, aligning the Agency’s strategy with Governor Otti’s transformational agenda.
One of the key achievements of ABSSAA is the significant growth in revenue, above 300% between 2023 and 2024. This growth is attributed to improved enforcement and stakeholder engagement as the Agency prioritized staff welfare, providing modern tools and improving benefits for greater efficiency. Additionally, ABSSAA cleared and realigned billboards obstructing rights of way or posing public risks, enhancing the visual appeal of urban environments. The Agency has also piloted standardized pylon signage for shopping plazas to reduce visual clutter and improve navigability.
During a recent Stakeholders Engagement organized by ABSSAA, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D., re-echoed the importance of cooperation between ABSSAA and outdoor practitioners in achieving the government’s vision. He noted that the government has embarked on massive road construction in Aba and other parts of the state to ensure ease of doing business and that ABSSAA’s efforts would complement these initiatives. He commended the MD/CEO for redefining the operations of ABSSAA to an acceptable standard and encouraged all stakeholders to identify with the proper channel of doing advertising in the state.
Suffice it to say that ABSSAA’s efforts to harness the potential of outdoor advertising in Aba, a major business hub, are noteworthy. The Agency has introduced standardized signage and strengthened enforcement against illegal structures, working closely with business owners to educate them on compliant and effective outdoor branding. The goal is to transform Aba into a model for safe, clean, and revenue-yielding advertisement infrastructure.
The Agency’s Stakeholder Engagement approach is built on transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect. ABSSAA organized stakeholder meetings to listen to concerns and introduced client-focused reforms that simplified processes and eliminated ambiguity. The Agency has enforced compliance fairly and ensured that non-compliant or unapproved structures, especially those occupying premium space without remittance, were removed. These efforts have led to increased trust, improved collections, and a dramatic revenue increase from ₦24 million in 2023 to ₦147 million in 2024.
Worthy of mention is how Governor Otti’s economic and infrastructural vision has provided the catalyst for ABSSAA’s growth. With improved roads, better city planning, and increased investor confidence, the value of outdoor advertising has soared. The administration’s focus on accountability and service delivery has empowered agencies like ABSSAA to perform optimally. The Agency has been able to enforce standards and drive innovation because it is backed by a government that believes in system reform and sustainable urban development.
In a space of about two years, Governor Otti’s leadership has been transformational. He has restored fiscal discipline, invested in infrastructure, promoted transparency, and created an enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive. From road reconstruction and salary clearance to public sector reforms and security enhancement, Governor Otti’s administration has repositioned Abia as a model state in Nigeria. For agencies like ABSSAA, his support has translated into clearer mandates, stronger backing, and greater public trust. The New Abia is no longer a slogan—it is now a lived experience.
Today, ABSSAA’s achievements serve as a glowing testament to the impact of effective governance and strategic leadership. As the Agency continues to grow and contribute to the state’s economic development, it is equally poised to further harness the potential of outdoor advertising in Abia. With its focus on transparency, accountability, and innovation, ABSSAA is redefining outdoor advertising in Abia, and its efforts are yielding positive results.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.
