The Senate has passed for second reading a bill to create the Nigeria Mine Rangers Service (NMRS), aimed at tackling illegal and artisanal mining across Nigeria.
This decision followed a presentation at Thursday’s plenary by the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mohammed Onawo (SDP-Nasarawa), who outlined the general principles of the proposed legislation.
According to Onawo, the NMRS, once established, will be responsible for safeguarding mining operations, enforcing environmental and safety regulations in the mining sector, and promoting sustainable mining practices across the country.
He explained that the NMRS, as a specialised security body, will help curb illegal mining nationwide, rescue miners trapped in accidents, provide emergency medical assistance, investigate mining activities, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
“The bill has been painstakingly developed and streamlined to curb illegal mining, thereby providing avenues for harnessing the vast mineral resources in Nigeria. The bill is a bold legislative step geared towards the diversification of our economy by de-emphasising a monolithic focus on oil as the main source of the country’s revenue,” Onawo stated.
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate expressed support for the bill, emphasising the importance of the Mine Rangers Service in protecting and securing mining sites across the country.
Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) highlighted the economic benefits of the proposed security outfit, noting that it would help stop Nigeria’s annual loss of $18.9 billion to illegal mining.
“The proposed specialised security outfit for the protection of mining sites across the country will put an end to the yearly loss of $18.9 billion to illegal miners. The Mine Rangers Service, as envisioned, will not only curb illegal mining but also combat banditry,” Kalu said.
Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over the plenary, described the bill as timely, citing the need for increased protection, regulation, and enforcement within the mining sector.
“We need special security arrangements in the mining sector, which this bill proposes. It will also help combat banditry because one of the recently killed notorious bandits was initially a security guard for miners, later turned to mining himself, and eventually became involved in banditry. He operated several illegal mining sites,” Barau explained.
He added that the proposed law for specialised security in the mining sector is essential, as it will help identify criminals and provide a safer environment for legitimate mining activities.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals for further legislative action.