The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has asked residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain calm after an earth tremor on Tuesday.
The Minister also directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to give hourly updates on seismic activity around Abuja for review and possible escalation.
His Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, issued the statement on Wednesday while Alake is in Washington DC engaging US investors on solid minerals joint ventures.
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency reported that tremors shook several buildings in Abuja on August 4.
Its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recorded the tremor at 11:23:27 am. It originated from 1 kilometre depth and spread across 4 kilometres in 5 seconds.
NGSA described it as a “light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale.”
It added, “This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction.”
Alake asked residents to go about normal duties without fear, saying proactive measures have been deployed to ensure safety.
Abuja has recorded minor tremors in the past, including in Mpape and Kubwa in 2018 and 2024. Experts link them to minor fault shifts and human activities like blasting, not major earthquakes.
The Minister said NGSA will continue to monitor the situation.
Residents were advised to report cracks in buildings or unusual vibrations to relevant authorities.
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