2 months ago
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The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria has called for immediate safety checks on buildings to prevent potential risks in light of the recent earth tremors that shook parts of Abuja recently, particularly in Mpape and surrounding areas.
In a statement issued by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Adetunji Adeniran, CORBON emphasised the need for proactive measures to assess the structural integrity of buildings in the affected areas.
“The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria notes the recent earth tremors experienced in Abuja, particularly in Mpape and surrounding areas,” it stated.
While government agencies, led by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Uche Nnaji, had assured residents that the tremors posed no immediate environmental threat, CORBON stressed the importance of taking precautions to ensure 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 stated.
The council urged for immediate action to prevent any potential hazards that might arise from structural weaknesses, calling for thorough building assessments.
In line with its role as a regulatory body overseeing the building industry, CORBON made specific recommendations for property owners, government agencies, and the public. “Conduct thorough structural integrity tests, including non-destructive tests, on residential, commercial, and public buildings in the affected area,” it stated.
CORBON also encouraged collaboration between registered builders and other experts to identify and address any vulnerabilities within the buildings.
The council further advised that safety and structural integrity should be prioritised in construction and maintenance practices, particularly following the tremors.
“Such measures will identify and prevent potential risks to life and property,” it noted.
CORBON reaffirmed its commitment to upholding best practices in the building sector, emphasising that it “remains committed to promoting global best practices in the building industry and ensuring public safety.”
The council promised to continue monitoring the situation and provide guidance as needed.
According to the Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Prof. Olusegun Ige, in a statement, approximately 48 separate earthquakes were recorded, with both intensity and frequency increasing between Friday, September 13, and Monday, September 16.
“The NGSA Monitoring Station at Katampe has been capturing several significant ground motions with high moment magnitudes in the past five days, from September 13, 2024, till date.
“Of these incidents, only one mild event was recorded on September 13th. Six of these events were captured on September 14, while over 21 events were captured on the 15th with higher intensities.
“More than 20 events were recorded on the 16th of September. The intensity and frequency of the tremor appear to increase from September 13 to 16. There are a few weak events recorded today, September 17,” it noted.
