The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers has warned of the country’s vulnerability to earthquake damage, with Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta and Benin under threat.

Former President of the institution, Olushola Sanni, who gave the warning, said some buildings in Nigeria were constructed without proper engineering supervision or consideration for earthquake forces.

He also cited recent global events that showed that earthquake vibrations can travel hundreds of kilometres, causing damage and panic.

Sanni said that while Nigeria might not be widely known as a major earthquake zone, it is not completely isolated from seismic activity despite being considered a low-risk zone.

He noted that buildings in Nigeria are not designed to withstand seismic activity, putting lives at risk.

Besides, he said that the institution would on April 16, 2026, launch guidelines for seismic design of buildings in Lagos, which will be in line with global practices.

“Earthquakes do not give respect to borders, and distance from the source does not guarantee safety. The absence of major earthquakes in recent years should not create a false sense of security,” he said.

He said that Ghana had recorded several earthquakes, particularly around Accra, noting that geological structures along the West African coast extend across national borders.

According to him, this meant that seismic energy from that region could potentially reach parts of southwestern Nigeria.

“Cities, such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Benin City, many of which sit on soft soils, could experience amplified shaking if seismic waves reach them,” Sanni warned.

Sanni, therefore, advocated the introduction of earthquake-resistant design guidelines while encouraging Nigerians to prioritise building safety.

He said that the advice aimed to provide simplified design procedures for engineers and align Nigerian engineering practice with international safety standards, adding that key features of safer buildings include balanced structural layouts, strong connections, and proper reinforcement detailing.