Builders Urge Urgent Safety Checks Following Abuja Earth Tremors
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has issued an urgent call for comprehensive safety checks on buildings in the wake of recent earth tremors that rattled parts of Abuja, particularly the Mpape area and its surroundings.
In a statement from Adetunji Adeniran, the Registrar and Secretary of the council, CORBON emphasised the need for proactive measures to evaluate the structural integrity of buildings in the affected zones. “The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria notes the recent earth tremors experienced in Abuja, particularly in Mpape and surrounding areas,” the statement read.
Although government officials, led by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Uche Nnaji, reassured the public that there was no immediate environmental danger, CORBON stressed that precautionary action must still be taken to safeguard public safety.
“CORBON hereby emphasises the need for appropriate safety precautions and proactive measures to be taken on all buildings in the affected areas,” Adeniran declared, urging for immediate structural assessments to prevent any risks arising from potential weaknesses.
As part of its recommendations, CORBON called for thorough integrity tests, particularly non-destructive assessments, on residential, commercial, and public buildings. It also advocated for collaboration between registered builders and other construction experts to detect and address vulnerabilities.
The council highlighted that safety and structural integrity should be central to both construction and maintenance efforts, especially in light of the recent tremors. “Such measures will identify and prevent potential risks to life and property,” CORBON added, reinforcing its commitment to promoting global best practices in the Nigerian building sector.
The call for action comes as the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) recorded a series of seismic activities in the region. According to Prof. Olusegun Ige, Director General of the NGSA, 48 separate earthquakes were recorded between September 13 and September 16, with both intensity and frequency increasing over the period.
“The NGSA Monitoring Station at Katampe has been capturing several significant ground motions with high moment magnitudes in the past five days,” Ige said. Over 20 tremors were registered on September 16 alone, signalling a potential increase in seismic activity.
CORBON has pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and provide further guidance as necessary, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of the public and upholding best practices across the building industry.
