Nigerian Senate Passes Bill to Establish Nigeria Mines Rangers Service to Curb Illegal Mining

Nigerian Senate Passes Bill to Establish Nigeria Mines Rangers Service to Curb Illegal Mining

In a decisive move to address the growing menace of illegal mining across the country, the Nigerian Senate has passed a bill establishing the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) a specialized security and regulatory outfit under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The proposed agency is designed to safeguard the nation’s mineral resources, protect legitimate mining operations, and enforce compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws. The move comes amid rising concerns over the activities of illegal miners, which have led to significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and increased insecurity in mining communities.

According to the bill, the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service will be empowered to:
Conduct surveillance and patrols of mining sites nationwide.
Arrest and prosecute illegal miners.
Collaborate with security agencies and local authorities to enforce mining regulations.
Promote safe and sustainable mining practices.

Senators described the passage of the bill as a “bold step” toward sanitizing the mining sector and diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. The lawmakers noted that with proper regulation, the solid minerals sector could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and create thousands of jobs.

The bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Observers believe the creation of the Mines Rangers Service could mark a turning point in the fight against illegal mining if backed with adequate funding, modern equipment, and political will.