*Prof Ige
Agency says five-day monitoring records no structural damage
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, through the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja on August 4, 2026, has completely subsided and poses no threat to lives and property.
The assurance followed more than five days of continuous seismic monitoring, field assessments and technical analysis by the Agency after the incident.
Speaking at a technical press briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of NGSA, Professor Olusegun Ige, said the Agency’s seismic monitoring station in Utako recorded the tremor at 11:23:27 a.m. on August 4, with the event lasting approximately five seconds and originating from a depth of less than one kilometre.
He described it as a low-energy, transient micro-event, characterised by low amplitude and very short duration.
“Our message to residents of Abuja is clear: there is no cause for alarm. The tremor was a very low-energy, isolated event, and our monitoring has confirmed that the seismic activity has completely subsided.”
It will be recalled that the Minister of solid minerals developed, Mr. Dele Alake had directed the NGSA to provide him hourly updates of the seismic developments around Abuja for possible escalation to other agencies.
Professor Ige said NGSA did not stop at recording the tremor but maintained surveillance for more than five days afterwards. The waveform records throughout the monitoring period showed only baseline seismic noise, with no indication of continuing tremor activity.
The Agency also conducted physical assessments at locations where the tremor was reportedly felt, including the Defence Intelligence Agency facility at Mambila Barracks, Asokoro, the NNPC Towers and selected buildings within the Central Business District.
According to the Director-General, no structural damage, injury or serious discomfort attributable to the tremor was recorded at the locations assessed.
“We have combined instrumental monitoring with physical assessment on the ground. The evidence before us shows that there is no ongoing seismic threat and no structural damage arising from this event.”
The NGSA explained that preliminary geological analysis indicates that the tremor may have resulted from the release of accumulated stresses within the earth’s crust through existing geological structures.
Professor Ige noted that although Nigeria is not located on an active major tectonic plate boundary, geological stresses can occasionally be released through existing fault systems, producing localised seismic events.
He stressed, however, that the characteristics of the August 4 event did not indicate a destructive earthquake.
“The fact that a tremor was felt does not mean that a destructive earthquake is imminent. What matters is the nature and energy of the event. In this case, the energy released was extremely low and insufficient to cause structural failure or trigger secondary hazards.”
As part of the briefing, NGSA took members of the media on a technical tour of its seismic monitoring operations.
Journalists were shown the Agency’s seismic monitoring equipment realtime and how its technical personnel detect, record and analyse seismic signals. They also witnessed the operation of the Agency’s latest monitoring technology and interacted directly with the experts responsible for interpreting seismic data.
Professor Ige said the demonstration was intended to give the public a better understanding of the scientific processes behind the Agency’s assessment.
“We want Nigerians to see that our assurance is based on evidence. The instruments recorded the event, our experts analysed the data, our field team inspected the affected locations, and we have continued to monitor the situation.”
While assuring residents that the Abuja event has subsided, the Agency said the incident underscores the need to strengthen Nigeria’s national capacity for seismic monitoring and geohazard management.
NGSA called for the expansion of its seismic monitoring network, improved logistics and funding, and greater deployment of appropriate monitoring equipment at major mining and quarrying operations.
It also recommended that geological and seismic data be incorporated into the planning and construction of major infrastructure, including dams, bridges, railways, airports, mines and quarries.
The Agency further emphasised the need for strict compliance with appropriate structural and safety standards, sustained public education on tremor and earthquake safety protocols, and continuous training of NGSA personnel in modern seismic monitoring and data analysis.
Professor Ige assured Nigerians that the Agency would continue to monitor seismic activity in Abuja and other parts of the country and provide timely updates whenever necessary.
“We will continue to monitor and analyse. If there is any development that requires public attention or government intervention, we will communicate it promptly and responsibly. For now, residents of Abuja should remain calm and go about their normal activities.”
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, through the NGSA, urged members of the public to rely on verified information from the Agency and other competent authorities on seismic and other geological hazards.
Residents who observe unusual ground vibrations or have concerns relating to seismic activity are advised to contact the NGSA emergency line on 09139442811.
