The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), a specialised security agency aimed at tackling illegal and artisanal mining activities across the country.
Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), the bill provides a legal framework for safeguarding mining operations, enforcing environmental and safety standards, and promoting sustainable practices within Nigeria’s extractive sector.
According to Onawo, the NMRS will have a broad mandate, including curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, providing emergency medical response, investigating mining accidents, and ensuring compliance with national mining regulations.
“The establishment of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service,” he said, “will help to safeguard mining operations, enforce mining environmental and safety regulations, and promote sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.”
During the debate, several lawmakers described the proposed service as a timely initiative that would protect mining communities and secure natural resource sites from unregulated operators.
READ ALSO: Senate Confirms Dr Aminu Yusuf As NPC Chairman
The bill, which was reviewed and reported by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, chaired by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), passed its third reading on Tuesday, moving it closer to becoming law.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the bill’s intent and urged future personnel to serve with integrity.
“I pray those who will be working there will have patriotism in their mind and work to stop all illegal activities in our mines,” Akpabio said.
The passage of the NMRS bill comes amid rising concerns over the economic losses and security risks associated with illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation, revenue leakage, and violent conflicts in mineral-rich areas.
