Nigeria Establishes Mines Rangers Service to Fight Illegal Mining
Nigeria Establishes Mines Rangers Service to Fight Illegal Mining
In a bold move to tackle illegal mining, the Nigerian Senate passed the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) Establishment Bill 2025 on October 21. Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa South), the bill creates a specialized paramilitary force under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, tasked with enforcing mining regulations, securing sites, and promoting sustainable practices.
Illegal mining costs Nigeria an estimated $18.9 billion annually. Beyond financial losses, unregulated mining drives environmental degradation, health hazards, and violent conflicts in mineral-rich areas like the North and Middle Belt. Analysts say a dedicated enforcement agency is crucial to protect communities, safeguard investments, and recover lost revenue.
“The establishment of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service will safeguard mining operations, enforce environmental safety standards, and promote sustainable practices,” said Senator Onawo.
The NMRS is designed to be a comprehensive enforcement force, with responsibilities including:
● Combating Illegal Mining: Patrolling areas to stop unlicensed operations.
● Emergency Response: Rescuing trapped miners and handling hazards.
● Investigations & Compliance: Enforcing safety and environmental regulations.
● Site Security: Monitoring extraction activities to prevent conflicts.
● Economic Boost: Attracting investors, creating jobs, and contributing to GDP.
● Personnel will be trained to uphold patriotism, integrity, and professionalism, mirroring international mines rescue agencies.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called the bill a “timely intervention”, urging NMRS staff to work diligently to eliminate illegal activities. Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) highlighted the agency’s role as “eyes on the ground” to monitor Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives before President Bola Tinubu can assent. Recruitment and operations will likely focus on states like Nasarawa, Zamfara, and Plateau. Challenges such as funding, training, and coordination with existing agencies remain, but experts say the NMRS could transform Nigeria’s mining sector.
The initiative has been praised as a tool for revenue recovery and sustainable development by media Practitioners, while social media users express cautious optimism about its enforcement effectiveness.
If successfully implemented, the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service could safeguard communities, secure national resources, and help diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil, setting a benchmark for responsible mining across Africa.
