The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated flood control measures in response to growing natural disaster risks, including recent earth tremors in Mpape, a suburb of Abuja, and the looming threat of severe flooding in Southern Nigeria. Authorities have also called on state governments to take immediate, proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities.
At a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, confirmed that residents of Mpape experienced six to eight tremors late Tuesday night, starting around 11:00 p.m. The most significant tremor, recorded at 11:18 p.m., measured 3.1 in magnitude with a focal depth of 11 kilometers, indicating the reactivation of underground fault lines in the area.
While the tremors raised concerns, Nnaji warned that the more imminent threat is widespread flooding, particularly in Southern states, as the rainy season progresses. “We are at a critical juncture, with both natural and human-made factors heightening the risks. The time to act is now,” the minister emphasized.
Data from the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) revealed that the tremors were accompanied by several foreshocks and aftershocks, signaling a buildup of stress beneath the earth’s surface, which could lead to further seismic activity in the region.
The Federal Government is now shifting its focus toward preventing a major flooding disaster. With water levels rising along the River Niger and heavy rainfall predicted in the coming weeks, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has warned that many areas in Southern Nigeria are at risk of severe flooding. Flash floods have already hit several states, and the situation could worsen if timely actions are not taken.
“Flooding poses an even greater threat to lives and livelihoods, especially in coastal and low-lying regions. States must act now and implement necessary flood control measures,” Nnaji urged.
The minister added that the federal government stands ready to support state governments in enhancing early warning systems and building flood-resilient infrastructure. Technologies such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiving stations are being used to monitor underground activity and support disaster prevention efforts.
NASRDA Director General Mathew Adepoju, speaking on the sidelines of the briefing, highlighted the role of space technology in detecting and mitigating natural disasters. “We are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to take appropriate actions to protect the public,” he assured.
Nigeria has been plagued by devastating floods in recent years, with thousands displaced and billions of naira in property damage. In 2022, major rivers like the Niger and Benue overflowed, submerging communities and farmland. Contributing factors include poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and climate change, underscoring the need for a coordinated disaster management approach.
As part of its response, the government is expanding drainage networks, reinforcing riverbanks, and improving cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies. Nnaji emphasized that state governments must take the lead in protecting their communities. “Disaster preparedness is not just a federal responsibility. States must step up and safeguard their people,” he said.
While flood prevention remains the primary focus, the government continues to monitor seismic activity in regions like Mpape. NASRDA has deployed specialized teams to track underground movements and provide real-time data to predict future tremors.
The Federal Government is also urging citizens in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and follow local authority guidelines. Communities are advised to avoid flood-prone zones and report any unusual geological activity. “We are working hard to keep people safe, but citizens must also play their part by staying informed and prepared,” Nnaji added.
