Developing: FG Activates Enhanced Seismic Monitoring After Earth Tremor Shakes Abuja

The Federal Government has activated enhanced seismic monitoring following an earth tremor that was recorded in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The tremor, which occurred on Tuesday, was detected by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). In response, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed the agency to provide hourly updates on seismic developments in and around the nation’s capital.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Alake urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, assuring them that there was no cause for panic. He said the NGSA had also been instructed to intensify surveillance of seismic activities and submit regular reports for continuous assessment and, where necessary, escalation to relevant government agencies.

According to the statement, the NGSA’s seismic monitoring station in Utako detected the tremor at exactly 11:23:27 a.m. The agency explained that the earth movement originated from a depth of one kilometre and travelled approximately four kilometres within five seconds.

The NGSA classified the incident as a light seismic event, measuring between I and II on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, stressing that the tremor was too weak to cause structural damage.

“This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the agency stated.

Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging investors on joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, said the government had already put proactive measures in place to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to closely monitor the situation through the NGSA, adding that the agency would provide timely updates should any further seismic activity be recorded.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety, urging residents to continue their normal daily activities while relying on official information from relevant authorities.