The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assess hazards and implement immediate safety measures following recent earth tremors in Abuja.
The decision came after Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda raised an urgent motion on Wednesday, urging an investigation into the unusual seismic activity affecting areas like Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Chinda highlighted growing fears among residents that the tremors could signal more serious seismic events, emphasizing the FCT’s role as a symbol of Nigeria’s stability.
Key concerns include potential damage to critical infrastructure, the lack of conclusive explanations for the tremors, and the need for proactive measures to prevent disaster in regions with past seismic activity. In response, the House has tasked its Committees on the Federal Capital Territory, Environment, and Emergency Disaster Preparedness to investigate and propose legislative solutions.
Despite concerns, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake reassured residents that the tremors are due to “accumulated stress” and pose a low threat. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) continues to monitor the situation and has urged calm among the public.
