Says Nigeria must act fast
The Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Prof. Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, has warned that Nigeria cannot afford to wait for a bigger earthquake before strengthening its seismic monitoring system.
Ige made the call in Abuja at a technical press conference on the August 4 earth tremor recorded in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He demanded increased funding, logistics, and modern technology to enable the agency to monitor seismic activities effectively and produce accurate data.
The NGSA boss said the recurrence of tremors in parts of the country had heightened concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for a stronger seismic event.
He urged the Federal Government to expand NGSA’s seismic monitoring stations and provide adequate logistics to strengthen the agency’s operations.
Ige also called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to compel major mining and quarrying companies to install seismic monitoring meters at their operational sites.
He said data from the equipment would complement government monitoring stations and provide useful information on seismic activities around mining and quarrying sites.
The DG further advocated mandatory seismic clearance for major infrastructure projects, including dams, bridges, rail lines, airports, mines and quarries.
He explained that developers should obtain seismic and structural configuration data from NGSA before construction to enable engineers to factor geological and seismic conditions into their designs.
Ige also demanded stricter enforcement of seismic building standards in Abuja and other cities, particularly for heavy infrastructure and industrial facilities.
He advised construction companies to conduct soil tests, use reinforced concrete and strong steel, properly anchor roofs and structural frames to foundations, and comply with approved building standards.
The NGSA boss equally called for regular public enlightenment on earthquake and tremor safety, as well as continuous training of personnel on modern seismic technologies.
Speaking at the briefing, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Lara Owoeye-Wise, said the engagement was organised to enable journalists to witness how seismic activities are monitored and assessed.
She said reports describing the August 4 incident as an earthquake had caused concern among Nigerians, particularly following the earthquake reported in Colombia.
Owoeye-Wise said the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, had directed ministry officials to engage NGSA technical experts and provide the public with credible information based on scientific evidence.
She said the briefing was designed not only to reassure Nigerians but also to demonstrate the scientific processes used by the government in assessing the incident.
“This is beyond rhetoric. We want to see the evidence and understand the processes involved. That is why the cameras are here,” she said.
The NGSA maintained that although the latest tremor did not pose a threat to lives and property, sustained investment in seismic monitoring, infrastructure standards, public awareness, and technical capacity was essential to prepare Nigeria for future seismic events.
(The Sun)