From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), a specialised security agency designed to curb illegal and artisanal mining across the country.
Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), the bill seeks to provide a legal framework for securing mining operations, enforcing safety and environmental standards, and promoting sustainable practices within Nigeria’s extractive industry.
The legislation’s passage comes amid growing concerns over the economic and security implications of illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and violent conflicts in mineral-rich communities.
Explaining the bill’s objectives, Onawo said the NMRS would be responsible for curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, responding to emergencies, investigating mining accidents, and ensuring compliance with national mining regulations.
“The establishment of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service will help to safeguard mining operations, enforce mining and environmental safety standards, and promote sustainable mining practices in the country,” he said.
Several lawmakers, during debate on the bill, described the NMRS as a timely initiative that would protect mining host communities and secure national assets from unregulated operators.
The bill, which was reviewed and presented by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development chaired by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), passed its third reading on Tuesday.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the intent of the bill and urged future personnel of the NMRS to serve with patriotism and integrity.
“I pray that those who will be working there will have patriotism in their hearts and work diligently to end illegal activities in our mines,” Akpabio said.
