The House of Representatives has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to launch a thorough investigation into recent earth tremors in Abuja. This call came after the adoption of an urgent motion raised by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, during the plenary session on Wednesday, September 25.
Chinda expressed concerns over the unusual seismic activities occurring in the nation’s capital, particularly in areas such as Mpape, and urged that safety measures be put in place to address the situation. He highlighted media reports and complaints from residents who have experienced the tremors, noting that there is growing anxiety that these tremors could be precursors to more severe seismic events.
The Minority Leader emphasized that despite ongoing investigations, there has been no conclusive explanation for the cause of the tremors. He underscored the need for proactive measures to prevent potential disasters, especially given that Abuja is not generally known for seismic activity.
Chinda also raised concerns about the potential damage to critical infrastructure, including office buildings, roads, and public facilities. He warned that a more severe event could lead to loss of life, displacement of residents, and significant economic losses.
The House of Representatives has mandated its committees on the Federal Capital Territory, Environment, and Emergency Disaster Preparedness to investigate the cause of the tremors and propose necessary legislative actions to address the issue.