Nigerian Geological Survey Agency assures Abuja residents after tremor, confirms no ongoing seismic threat

The Director-General of the NGSA, Professor Olusegun Ige, stated that Nigeria is not prone to earthquakes. The tremor, which occurred at 11:23:27 am and lasted about five seconds, was described as a "low-energy, transient micro-event" originating from a depth of less than one kilometer. Following a directive from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the NGSA monitored the area for over five days, with waveform records showing only baseline seismic noise.

Physical assessments at various locations, including the Defence Intelligence Agency facility, NNPC Towers, and buildings in the Central Business District, found no structural damage, injuries, or serious discomfort. Preliminary geological analysis suggests the tremor resulted from the release of accumulated stresses within the earth's crust through existing geological structures. While Nigeria is not on an active major tectonic plate boundary, localized seismic events can occur.

The NGSA emphasized that the characteristics of the August 4 tremor did not indicate a destructive earthquake. The agency highlighted the need to strengthen Nigeria's capacity to monitor seismic activity, calling for an expanded national seismic monitoring network, improved logistics and funding, and the deployment of appropriate monitoring equip