The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the recent rumored earth tremors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to determine their potential hazards and develop immediate safety measures.
This directive followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, during the Plenary, where he called for an urgent investigation into the recent earth tremors experienced in the FCT.
The lawmaker raised concerns about the unusual seismic activities in the nation’s capital, citing media reports and resident complaints from various districts, including the Mpape area.
He emphasized the importance of the FCT as a symbol of Nigeria’s social integrity, stability, and strength, expressing worries about the lack of conclusive explanations for the tremors.
He highlighted growing fears among residents that these tremors could be precursors to more severe seismic events, potentially causing significant structural damage to the FCT’s infrastructure.
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He pointed out that despite ongoing investigations, there has yet to be any conclusive explanation for these occurrences. He reiterated that residents are increasingly concerned that these tremors might signal more severe seismic events, which could lead to significant structural damage in the FCT.
While the FCT is not generally known for being a seismic hotspot, Rep. Chinda acknowledged that certain regions within the territory have experienced climate-related tremors in the past. This, he said, underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent potential disasters.
He noted that the House is particularly concerned about the possible damage to critical infrastructure, including office buildings, roads, and essential public facilities, which could lead to loss of life, displacement of residents, and severe economic losses.
While adopting the motion, the House 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.
