Bill to create Nigeria Mines Rangers Service passes third reading in Senate
The Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to create the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), a specialised security agency that will tackle illegal and artisanal mining across the country.
The bill, sponsored by Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), seeks to establish a legal framework to protect mining operations, enforce environmental and safety standards, and encourage sustainable practices in the nation’s mineral sector.
Onawo explained that the NMRS would be responsible for curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, providing emergency medical aid, investigating mining-related accidents, and ensuring compliance with national mining regulations.
He noted that the agency’s creation would “help secure mining activities, enforce environmental and safety laws, and promote responsible mining in Nigeria.”
During the debate, many senators described the proposal as a much-needed step toward safeguarding mining communities and natural resource sites from unregulated operators.
The bill, earlier reviewed and presented by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development chaired by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), was passed after scaling its third reading, a key milestone toward its eventual establishment.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded the initiative and urged those who would serve in the new agency to demonstrate patriotism and integrity.
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“I hope those who will work in the service will be guided by national interest and committed to ending illegal mining across the country,” Akpabio said.
The bill’s passage comes amid heightened concerns over the economic, environmental, and security risks associated with illegal mining, which continues to cause revenue losses, environmental damage, and conflicts in mineral-producing areas.
