Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for calm among residents of the Federal Capital Territory following reports of an earth tremor in parts of Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement, Alake directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, to provide hourly updates on the seismic developments in Abuja for regular review and possible escalation to other relevant agencies.
The Minister, who is currently in Washington DC, United States, engaging American investors on joint venture proposals in the solid minerals sector, said proactive measures have already been deployed to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
He urged FCT residents to go about their normal routine without anxiety, assuring them that the situation was being closely monitored by relevant government agencies.
Alake was reacting to an alert by the NGSA reporting that tremors shook several buildings in Abuja on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
According to the NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako, the earth tremor was recorded at exactly 11:23:27am. The agency said it originated from a depth of 1 kilometre and spread across a distance of four kilometres within five seconds.
However, the NGSA classified the incident as a “light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale.”
The agency explained that the tremor is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor. “This poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the NGSA stated.
The Minister said the government would continue to prioritize public safety while leveraging scientific data from the NGSA to guide any further response.
He assured the public that the agency will maintain continuous monitoring of the situation and provide updates as necessary, while residents are encouraged to remain calm and carry on with their normal activities.
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