Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring Of Abuja Earth Tremors

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development has instructed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly reports on seismic activities around Abuja for continuous assessment and, where necessary, referral to other relevant government agencies.

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye Wise.

The move followed reports by the NGSA that an earth tremor was recorded in parts of Abuja on August 4, causing noticeable vibrations in several buildings.

According to the agency, its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako detected the tremor at exactly 11:23a.m. The event reportedly originated at a depth of one kilometre and travelled about four kilometres within five seconds.

Although currently in Washington, D.C., United States, where he is engaging American investors on potential joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, the minister urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.

He added that precautionary measures have already been put in place to safeguard lives and property.

The NGSA classified the incident as a light earth tremor, rating it between I and II on the Mercalli Intensity Scale.

The agency explained that tremors of this magnitude are generally harmless and are unlikely to cause damage, aside from mild shaking and possible public concern.

The minister assured residents that the agency would continue to closely monitor seismic activities and keep the public informed while encouraging everyone to carry on with their normal routines.