Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Calls for Monitoring Measures

Following an earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja last Tuesday, Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain calm, stating that the tremor poses no significant threat to lives or properties. He directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to provide hourly updates on seismic activities in the capital.

Alake expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such tremors, recalling previous incidents in 2018 that caused fear among residents. A presidential committee, led by Seidu Mohammed of the National Space Research and Development Agency, had previously declared Nigeria prone to seismic hazards.

The committee's report indicated that unregulated drilling and quarrying activities have weakened the geological structure in Abuja, contributing to tremors. Alake emphasized the necessity of monitoring earthquake-prone zones and regulating groundwater exploitation to prevent further seismic stress.