The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain calm following the earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja.
He assured them that there is no immediate threat to lives and property.
Alake directed Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on seismic activities around Abuja for continuous assessment and, where necessary, escalation to relevant government agencies.
The minister, who is in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging American investors in joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, said proactive measures had already been activated to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure.
His directive followed a report by NGSA confirming that an earth tremor shook several buildings in Abuja on Tuesday.
The agency said the seismic event was detected by its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako at exactly 11:23:27 am.
It said the tremor originated from a depth of one kilometre and travelled about four kilometres within five seconds.
NGSA described the incident as a light earth tremor, measuring between I and II on the Mercalli Intensity Scale.
The agency says the tremor is characteristic of a minor surface seismic event that poses no danger to lives or property, besides temporary shaking and public anxiety.
Alake assured residents that NGSA would continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates, while encouraging the public to go about their activities without fear or panic.