By Joy Yesufu
The Senate has passed a bill for second reading, proposing the establishment of a specialized security outfit aimed at preventing illegal mining activities in the country.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (APC, Nasarawa South), seeks to create the Nigerian Mine Rangers Service (NMRS).
During his lead debate, Senator Onawo outlined that the NMRS will be responsible for safeguarding mining operations, enforcing environmental and safety regulations, and promoting sustainable mining practices across Nigeria.
He emphasized that the proposed security outfit would not only curb illegal mining but also rescue trapped miners, provide emergency medical care, investigate mining accidents, and enforce compliance with mining regulations.
“This legislation has been carefully developed to address illegal mining, providing pathways to harness Nigeria’s vast mineral resources. It represents a bold step towards diversifying our economy away from an over-reliance on oil.”
The senators broadly supported the initiative, highlighting its potential to secure mining sites.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu noted that the specialized security outfit could help prevent Nigeria’s annual loss of $18.9 billion to illegal mining activities.
“The Mine Rangers Service will tackle illegal mining while also addressing banditry in the sector,” Kalu remarked.
Following the bill’s progression, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin hailed it as a vital measure for protecting mining operations and enforcing regulations while emphasizing the need for special security arrangements, pointing to recent examples where security personnel were involved in illegal mining and banditry.
“The proposed law for a specialized security outfit is timely and necessary for identifying and addressing criminal activities in the mining sector,” Jibrin asserted.
To accelerate its consideration, the Deputy President of the Senate instructed the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals to enhance the legislative inputs and report back within two weeks.
