The Federal Government has launched an in-depth investigation into the recent earth tremors that shook Mpape, a suburb of Abuja, causing widespread concern among residents. The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji made this announcement during a ministerial press briefing, reassuring the public that a team of experts is actively studying the tremors.
On September 16, 2024, Mpape residents experienced another series of earth tremors, six to eight in total, which began around 11:00 p.m. Data from the seismic stations operated by the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics (a unit under the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA) confirmed the events. Mpape had previously experienced similar tremors in 2018, drawing significant local and international attention to Nigeria’s growing seismic activity.
Nnaji explained that the government is reviewing comprehensive data from seismic and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations to determine the cause of the tremors. Preliminary assessments suggest the reactivation of faults within the Mpape region, which was affected by disturbances in 2018. He urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities, and assured them that NASRDA is closely monitoring the situation. Measures to mitigate the seismic risks are also being developed.
In addition to the tremor investigation, the minister addressed the threat of imminent flooding in Southern Nigeria. Data from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIISA) and space-based monitoring by the United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UNSPIDER), hosted by NASRDA, highlighted the increasing risk of flooding due to the overflow of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
The minister revealed that the dam’s overflow had affected 137 hectares of land in July 2024, but by mid-September, this number had surged to 18,737 hectares. Southern states downstream, including Kogi, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, are at significant risk. Nnaji urged these states to activate flood control measures immediately and assured the public that the government would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates.
NASRDA director-general, Dr. Mathew Adepoju emphasised the crucial role that advanced space science and technology play in disaster management. He explained that early warning systems, such as GNSS receiving stations, are essential for monitoring underground activities and mitigating risks to communities like Mpape.
Adepoju assured the public that NASRDA is actively tracking both the seismic and flooding situations and the government is prepared to take necessary action to protect affected communities.
