The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), a specialised agency that will combat illegal mining, protect host communities, and enhance security in the nation’s mining areas.
The bill, which scaled third reading during Tuesday’s plenary, followed the adoption of a report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Senator Ekong Samson.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, seeks to create a structured framework for monitoring mining activities, enforcing environmental and safety laws, and ensuring sustainable mining practices across the country.
According to the bill, the Mines Rangers Service will operate as a body corporate with powers to recruit officers, establish zonal and state commands, and maintain an armed enforcement unit to prevent and curb illegal mining operations. The agency will also work in collaboration with other security agencies to investigate offences and prosecute offenders.
Presenting his committee’s report, Senator Samson said the proposed service would bridge a critical gap in Nigeria’s efforts to regulate and secure the solid minerals sector, which has been plagued by illegal operations, environmental degradation, and community unrest.
He noted that the measure would help to “institutionalise order, professionalism and accountability in mining enforcement, while protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth for future generations.”
During deliberations, several senators commended the initiative, describing it as timely given the growing cases of insecurity and loss of revenue linked to illegal mining in various parts of the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, said the Mines Rangers Service would strengthen existing mining laws and contribute to economic diversification.
“This bill, when signed into law, will help protect our natural resources, create jobs, and improve government revenue,” Akpabio said.
The Senate Committee’s report also highlighted that traditional rulers and host communities have expressed support for the creation of the service, noting that it would enhance safety, curb environmental abuse, and promote local participation in mining oversight.
