Abuja Tremor: Minister Tells Residents Not to Panic

Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has asked the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to give him hourly updates on the seismic activities around Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He wants regular reviews and plans for any necessary actions with other agencies.

Mr Alake, who is in Washington, DC, talking with American investors about partnerships in the solid minerals sector, told FCT residents to continue their daily activities without fear. He mentioned that other safety measures are in place to protect people and property.

This response came after the NGSA reported that tremors affected several buildings in Abuja on Tuesday, 4 August. The NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako registered the tremor at exactly 11.23.27 a.m. They noted it started from a depth of 1 kilometre and spread over a distance of four kilometres in just five seconds.

The NGSA described the tremor as a “light event of 1 to 2 magnitude on the Mercalli scale.” They added, “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 minister assured everyone that the agency will keep watching the situation while residents continue with their normal lives.