By Stella Odueme
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, with no evidence of ongoing seismic activity or structural damage.
The agency gave the assurance after more than five days of continuous seismic monitoring, field assessments and technical analysis following the incident.
Director-General of NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, disclosed this at a technical press briefing in Abuja, where he said the agency’s seismic monitoring station in Utako recorded the tremor at 11:23:27 a.m. on August 4.
According to him, the event lasted approximately five seconds and originated 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,” Ige said.
He said the NGSA continued monitoring the area for more than five days after the incident, adding that waveform records during the period showed only baseline seismic noise and 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.
Ige said no structural damage, injury or serious discomfort attributable to the tremor was recorded at the locations inspected.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, he explained that preliminary geological analysis suggested that the tremor may have resulted from the release of accumulated stresses within the earth’s crust through existing geological structures.
Although Nigeria is not located on an active major tectonic plate boundary, he said geological stresses could occasionally be released through existing fault systems, resulting in localised seismic events.
The NGSA chief stressed 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,” he said.
The briefing also featured a technical tour of the NGSA’s seismic monitoring operations, during which journalists observed the agency’s equipment and how seismic signals are detected, recorded and analysed in real time.
Ige said the demonstration was intended to assure Nigerians that the agency’s assessment was based on scientific evidence and continuous monitoring.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, had directed the NGSA to provide him with hourly updates on seismic developments around Abuja for possible escalation to relevant government agencies.
While declaring the Abuja incident over, the NGSA said it would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for seismic monitoring and geohazard management.
The agency called for expansion of the national seismic monitoring network, improved logistics and funding, and increased deployment of appropriate monitoring equipment at major mining and quarrying sites.
It also recommended the integration of geological and seismic data into the planning and construction of major infrastructure such as dams, bridges, railways, airports, mines and quarries.
The agency further stressed the need for strict compliance with structural and safety standards, sustained public education on tremor and earthquake safety protocols, and continuous training of its personnel in modern seismic monitoring and data analysis.
Ige assured Nigerians that the NGSA would continue to monitor seismic activity in Abuja and other parts of the country and provide timely updates whenever necessary.
“For now, residents of Abuja should remain calm and go about their normal activities,” he said.
The agency urged members of the public to rely on verified information from the NGSA and other competent authorities regarding seismic and other geological hazards.
Residents who observe unusual ground vibrations or have concerns about seismic activity were advised to contact the NGSA emergency line on 09139442811.