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The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), the umbrella coalition of over 300 civil society organisations working on environmental justice, climate adaptation, and sustainable development in Nigeria, has weighed in on the recent earth tremors recorded in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

While acknowledging the directive given by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, urging calm and instructing the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates, CSDevNet stresses that recurring seismic incidents require a paradigm shift from reactive public reassurance to robust, proactive scientific measures and stringent land-use governance.

Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

Recent geological events – including the surface tremor recorded on August 4, 2026, at a depth of 1 kilometre with a magnitude of I to II, followed by another event on August 6, 2026, around the Maitama District registering about 3.0 on the Mercalli scale – underscore a recurring pattern. Historical occurrences inMpape, Katampe, Maitama, and Gishirin(notably in 2018, 2024, and now 2026) demonstrate that Abuja’s underlying geological layout, characterised by minor regional fracture systems and NE–SW fault lines, is increasingly sensitive.

Reacting to these developments, Mr. Steve Abuh, CSDevNet’s National Network Coordinator, noted: “While we commend the prompt administrative response and calls for calm by the Ministry, seismic events in a non-traditional earthquake zone like Abuja must not be dismissed merely as minor discomforts. Science tells us that natural underground stress along regional fracture lines is frequently aggravated by intense anthropogenic pressures – such as unregulated quarrying, heavy rock blasting, and indiscriminate borehole drilling. We cannot wait for a catastrophe to transition from routine monitoring to proactive mitigation.”

Key Demands and Recommendations by CSDevNet:

  1. Rigorous Regulation of Anthropogenic Pressures:

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the FCT Administration (FCTA), must immediately audit and strictly regulate commercial quarrying activities, industrial rock blasting, and deep groundwater abstraction (via unregulated boreholes) around vulnerable basement complexes such as Mpape, Maitama, and Katampe. Human-induced stress accumulation on local fault lines must be legally checked.

  1. Upgrading Seismic Monitoring Infrastructure:

While the Utako seismic station and NGSA telemetry are functional, CSDevNet calls for heavy investments in real-time, high-density seismic monitoring networks across the entire FCT and neighbouring states to enhance predictive accuracy, micro-zoning mapping, and prompt data collection.

  1. Strict Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Building Codes:

Town planning authorities must enforce rigorous EIAs for all major infrastructural and construction projects within the capital. Urban development must incorporate geologically sound building codes that can withstand recurring micro-seismic shifts.

  1. Community-Centric Public Awareness and Safety Drills:

Safety communication must go beyond asking residents to “remain calm”. CSDevNet urges the government to institutionalise public safety education, ensuring that grassroots communities in high-risk districts are adequately informed on seismic preparedness, structural integrity checks, and emergency response protocols.

CSDevNet reiterates its commitment to working alongside government bodies, academic researchers, and local communities to champion eco-friendly policies, environmental accountability, and safeguards for sustainable development across Nigeria.