Senate passes bill to establish Nigeria mines rangers service

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) — a specialised security agency aimed at curbing illegal and artisanal mining across the country.

Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), the bill provides a legal framework to safeguard mining operations, enforce environmental and safety standards, and promote sustainable mineral development.

According to Onawo, the proposed NMRS will be tasked with tackling illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, offering emergency medical response, investigating mining-related accidents, and ensuring strict compliance with national mining regulations.

He said the creation of the service would “secure mining activities, enforce environmental and safety laws, and promote responsible mining practices nationwide.”

During deliberations, several senators described the bill as a timely and necessary move to protect mining communities and address the growing threat posed by unregulated operators.

The bill, earlier reviewed by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development led by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), was passed after scaling its third reading — marking a major step toward the establishment of the new agency.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative, urging future personnel of the NMRS to serve with patriotism and integrity.

“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 passage of the bill comes amid growing concerns over the economic losses, environmental degradation, and security threats caused by illegal mining in Nigeria’s mineral-rich regions.