The Nigeria government has classified the Abuja earth tremor as a minor geological event that is not capable of endangering lives or property.
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, said the tremor occurred at exactly 11:23:27 a.m. on August 4. Data from its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako showed the event originated at a depth of 1 kilometer and radiated across a four-kilometer radius within five seconds.
In response, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, directed the NGSA to release hourly updates on seismic activity across the FCT. The updates will guide continuous review and possible inter-agency coordination.
Speaking from Washington D.C. where he is holding investment talks with American joint-venture partners, Alake said safety protocols are already in place.
In a statement issued last night by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the minister asked residents to continue with normal routines.
“Residents of the Federal Capital should go about their normal routines without anxiety. Proactive measures have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents and properties,” he stated.
ALSO READ: State Police: FG opens portal for public memoranda, policy proposals
The NGSA classified the incident as a minor geological event, placing it between I and II on the Mercalli intensity scale.
“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,” the agency said in its assessment.
The ministry added that NGSA will maintain round-the-clock surveillance in the area, and will issue further safety updates if necessary. No casualties or structural damage have been reported.
