Abuja: The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has confirmed that no structural damage occurred following an earth tremor that affected certain areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on August 4.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tremor impacted the logistics unit of the Defence Intelligence Agency at Mambila Barracks, Asokoro, parts of the NNPC Towers, and some buildings in the Central Business District. Detected by the NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako, the tremor originated from a depth of one kilometre and spread over four kilometres within five seconds, classifying it as a light seismic event.
NGSA’s Director-General, Prof. Segun Ige, stated at a news conference in Abuja that assessments of the affected buildings found no evidence of structural damage or injuries. He described the tremor as a micro-event due to its very low magnitude and isolated nature, which lacked the energy needed to damage building foundations or cause cracks on walls.
Prof. Ige highlighted the need for more seismic monitoring stations, despite the presence of facilities at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Veritas University, Bwari; and the NGSA headquarters in Utako. He emphasized that more stations would enhance result resolution and speed of information dissemination.
Commending President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for their efforts in the sector, Ige called for increased funding to strengthen NGSA’s monitoring capabilities. He recommended that major quarry and mine operators install seismic monitoring meters at their sites to support government efforts.
The NGSA Director-General also advised government agencies to require structural configuration data from NGSA before constructing major infrastructure such as dams, bridges, and skyscrapers. He stressed the importance of certifying soil and rock conditions and urged the government to empower the agency for this purpose.
He further recommended the enforcement of seismic building codes and the construction of buildings with strong steel and reinforced concrete. Ige also called for capacity building for NGSA staff and public education on earthquake safety protocols.
Residents experiencing unusual ground vibrations or with concerns about seismic activity are encouraged to contact the NGSA emergency line at 09139442811.