The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on seismic activity following earth tremors recorded in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive followed an alert issued by the NGSA after Tuesday’s tremors affected several buildings in parts of Abuja.
The minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., to engage American investors on potential mining joint ventures, urged residents to remain calm and continue with their normal daily activities.
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He said relevant government agencies had activated precautionary measures to protect lives and property while maintaining close surveillance of developments in the affected areas.
“Residents should remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Necessary measures have been put in place to ensure public safety,” the minister said.
Alake directed the NGSA to submit hourly situation reports for continuous assessment and, where necessary, prompt communication with relevant government authorities.
He also assured residents that the agency would continue to monitor seismic activity closely and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
According to the NGSA, its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako detected the earth tremor at exactly 11:23:27 a.m. on Tuesday.
The agency said the tremor originated at a depth of one kilometre and travelled approximately four kilometres within five seconds.
However, the NGSA classified the incident as a minor seismic event, measuring between Levels I and II on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
The agency noted that available data indicated there was no immediate threat to public safety but emphasised the need for continued monitoring and increased public awareness.
The incident has renewed attention on Nigeria’s seismic monitoring capabilities, with authorities pledging sustained surveillance and swift action in response to any emerging risks.
