Nigeria not prone to earthquakes, geological agency allays fears

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has reassured residents of Abuja that a minor earthquake recorded on August 4 was a low-energy, transient micro-event with no lingering seismic threat. Director-General Prof. Olusegun Ige stated that the tremor, which lasted about five seconds and originated from a depth of less than one kilometre, was not indicative of structural failure or hazardous secondary effects.

The agency monitored the area extensively, including physical inspections of affected locations, finding no structural damage or injuries. While Nigeria is not located on a major tectonic plate boundary, geological stress could occasionally release through existing fault systems, resulting in localized seismic activity. The NGSA emphasized the importance of strengthening Nigeria's seismic monitoring capacity and managing geological hazards, urging residents to rely on verified agency information regarding seismic and geological risks.