WARRI/Nigeria: The Delta State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) has raised serious concerns over the growing and unregulated proliferation of billboards across major towns and cities in the state, warning of looming environmental and safety risks if urgent action is not taken.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, ESV (Rev.) Lewis Afolabi, and Secretary, Emmanuel O. Enebeli, the association described the trend as chaotic and unacceptable, noting that indiscriminate siting of billboard structures has begun to erode the visual appeal and environmental integrity of the state.
According to APBN, many of the billboard installations currently dotting urban centres fail to comply with established engineering, environmental, and urban planning standards, resulting in what it termed a “scenic embarrassment” across the state.
The association expressed particular concern over the safety implications of poorly erected structures, warning that several billboards are inadequately designed, improperly installed, and constructed without adherence to professional standards.
“Incidents of structural failures, especially during periods of strong winds and adverse weather conditions, are becoming increasingly worrisome and unacceptable,” the statement noted, stressing that such developments pose serious risks to lives and property.
APBN therefore called on the Delta State Government to urgently establish and enforce a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the approval, installation, and maintenance of billboard structures.
It recommended that all billboard approvals be subjected to strict compliance with professional engineering standards, including proper structural design, certified materials, and supervision by qualified engineering and safety professionals.
The body further insisted that no billboard should be approved or allowed to stand without certification and approval by registered engineering and safety experts.
In addition, the association urged the government to designate appropriate locations for billboard installations in line with modern urban planning principles, to curb indiscriminate clustering and restore order to the urban landscape.
APBN also called for an immediate statewide audit and integrity testing of all existing billboard structures, with a view to identifying and removing non-compliant and potentially hazardous installations.
“Delta State cannot afford to compromise public safety or the environmental dignity of its urban centres,” the statement emphasised, adding that proactive and decisive regulatory intervention has become imperative.
The association reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the state government by providing the necessary professional expertise to develop and implement sustainable solutions to the growing challenge.
