Asian Journal of Geological Research

Earthquake Dynamics in Nigeria: Insights, Challenges, and Preparedness Measures

Lumi Zakka *

Division of Seismology, Seismic Hazard and Risk Dynamics Unit, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Lungfa Collins Wuyep

Division of Environmental Geodesy, In SAR Unit, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Isogun Adeyemi Monday

Division of Geophysical, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Umar Afegbua Kadiri

Division of Seismology, Seismic Hazard and Risk Dynamics Unit, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Habila Yusuf Thomas

Department of Nuclear energy, Proten-Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife-PE, Brazil.

Ezisi Pius Ogugua

Division of Seismology, Seismic Network, Instrumentation and Data Archiving Unit, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Hassan Ahmad Ahmad

Division of Geophysical, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Idachaba Siaka John

Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied and Natural Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.

Wazhi Ponnak Ezekiel

NASRDA’s Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Shomgwan Gambo

Department of Geology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Nigeria is not a country chiefly linked with earthquake. However, there have been records of earthquake occurrences in the past. This dismissed the old believe that the country was aseismic. Even though Nigerian’s seismic activity lies between moderate and low, seismicity in the county is not evenly distributed. The primary reason for the low occurrence of earthquakes in Nigeria is due to its location on the African continental plate, which is responsible for the tectonic activity. Most earthquakes occur at plate boundaries, where two plates meet and interact with each other. Earthquakes are a common occurrence in many parts of the world, and understanding their behavior is essential for predicting and mitigating their effects. This paper aims at addressing common questions pondered upon by Nigerians; what is earthquake? Is Nigeria susceptible to earthquake? Why is there earthquake in Nigeria? How and when does earthquake occur? It also torch light the instrumentation and management technique employed by the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, National Space Research and Development Agency. Further, it highlights some safety measures to be observed before, during and after such a disaster. Since Nigeria is not entirely free from seismic activity, the country has been taking steps to improve its seismic monitoring and preparedness capabilities.

Keywords: Earthquake dynamics, magnitude intensity, seismic activity, earth tremor

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