By Mary Izuaka

 

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja on 4 August has completely subsided and poses no threat to lives or property.

The agency made this statement following more than five days of continuous seismic monitoring, field assessments, and technical analysis after the incident.

Last Wednesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed the NGSA to furnish him with hourly updates on seismic activities around Abuja following tremors that shook parts of the FCT.

Mr Alake said the directive was to enable regular review of developments and possible escalation to other relevant government agencies.

Earth tremors, also known as seismic tremors, are small earthquakes or vibrations in the earth’s surface. This has been periodically reported in parts of Abuja and surrounding areas in recent years, often triggering concern among residents.

Speaking at a technical press briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of NGSA, Olusegun Ige, said the agency’s seismic monitoring station in Utako recorded the tremor at 11:23:27 a.m. on 4 August.

He said the event lasted approximately five seconds and originated from a depth of less than one kilometre.

He described it as a low-energy, transient micro-event, characterised by low amplitude and very short duration.

“Our message to residents of Abuja is clear: there is no cause for alarm. The tremor was a very low-energy, isolated event, and our monitoring has confirmed that the seismic activity has completely subsided.”

Mr Ige said NGSA did not stop at recording the tremor but maintained surveillance for more than five days afterwards, noting that the waveform records throughout the monitoring period showed only baseline seismic noise, with no indication of continuing tremor activity.

He said the agency conducted physical assessments at locations where the tremor was reportedly felt, including the Defence Intelligence Agency facility at Mambila Barracks, Asokoro, the NNPC Towers and selected buildings within the Central Business District.

He said no structural damage, injury or serious discomfort attributable to the tremor was recorded at the locations assessed.

“We have combined instrumental monitoring with physical assessment on the ground. The evidence before us shows that there is no ongoing seismic threat and no structural damage arising from this event.”

What caused the tremor

He explained that preliminary geological analysis indicates that the tremor may have resulted from the release of accumulated stresses within the earth’s crust through existing geological structures.

Mr Ige noted that although Nigeria is not located on an active major tectonic plate boundary, geological stresses can occasionally be released through existing fault systems, producing localised seismic events.

He stressed, however, that the characteristics of the August 4 event did not indicate a destructive earthquake.

“The fact that a tremor was felt does not mean that a destructive earthquake is imminent. What matters is the nature and energy of the event. In this case, the energy released was extremely low and insufficient to cause structural failure or trigger secondary hazards.”

He said the Abuja incident underscores the need to strengthen Nigeria’s national capacity for seismic monitoring and geohazard management.

Call for stronger monitoring capacity

NGSA called for the expansion of its seismic monitoring network, improved logistics and funding, and greater deployment of appropriate monitoring equipment at major mining and quarrying operations.

It also recommended that geological and seismic data be incorporated into the planning and construction of major infrastructure, including dams, bridges, railways, airports, mines and quarries.

The agency further emphasised the need for strict compliance with appropriate structural and safety standards, sustained public education on tremor and earthquake safety protocols, and continuous training of NGSA personnel in modern seismic monitoring and data analysis.

Mr Ige assured Nigerians that the Agency would continue to monitor seismic activity in Abuja and other parts of the country and provide timely updates whenever necessary.

“We will continue to monitor and analyse. If there is any development that requires public attention or government intervention, we will communicate it promptly and responsibly. For now, residents of Abuja should remain calm and go about their normal activities.”

The NGSA urged members of the public to rely on verified information from the Agency and other competent authorities on seismic and other geological hazards.

“Residents who observe unusual ground vibrations or have concerns relating to seismic activity are advised to contact the NGSA emergency line on 09139442811.”