The Federal Government of Nigeria has activated enhanced seismic monitoring following an earth tremor that shook parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The tremor was recorded on Tuesday by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, prompting immediate response from authorities.
Reacting to the development, Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, directed the agency to provide hourly updates on seismic activities around the nation’s capital.
In a statement issued by his special assistant on media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the minister urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
He said the NGSA had also been instructed to intensify surveillance in and around Abuja and submit regular reports for continuous assessment and possible escalation to relevant authorities.
According to the agency, its seismic monitoring station in Utako detected the tremor at exactly 11:23:27am. The earth movement reportedly originated from a depth of one kilometre and travelled four kilometres within five seconds.
The NGSA classified the incident as “a light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale”, noting that it 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 said.
Alake, who is currently engaging investors in Washington DC on joint venture opportunities in the solid minerals sector, said proactive measures have been put in place to safeguard residents and property.
He assured that the government would continue to monitor the situation closely, with the NGSA expected to provide regular updates on any new seismic activity.
