The Senate has passed a bill to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) — a specialised paramilitary agency designed to combat illegal and artisanal mining, secure the country’s mineral assets, and promote sustainable resource management.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reform its extractive sector, strengthen national security, and safeguard investments in mining operations.
While presenting the bill at Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Onawo said the creation of the Mines Rangers Service would fill a long-standing gap in the nation’s security and resource management framework.
“The establishment of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service will help safeguard mining operations, enforce mining environmental and safety regulations, and promote sustainable mining practices in Nigeria,” Onawo stated.
He explained that the NMRS will be empowered to curb illegal mining, rescue trapped miners, provide emergency response and medical aid, and ensure compliance with national mining and safety standards.
According to him, the unchecked spread of illegal mining operations has cost Nigeria billions of naira in lost revenue and worsened insecurity in mineral-rich communities.
Several senators commended the bill during debate, describing it as a timely and strategic intervention to secure Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and attract responsible private investment.
The legislation, which had been reviewed and approved by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, chaired by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), passed its third reading on Tuesday — a key step before transmission to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed the passage of the bill, saying it underscores the National Assembly’s resolve to protect the nation’s economic assets and mining communities from exploitation and environmental harm.
“This bill reflects our shared commitment to securing Nigeria’s mineral assets and protecting communities affected by illegal mining. Those who will serve in the Mines Rangers Service must show utmost dedication and professionalism,” Akpabio said.
Once enacted, the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service will operate under the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, working in synergy with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to strengthen oversight, enforce mining laws, and promote responsible mining practices.
The new agency is expected to play a central role in achieving the federal government’s goals of economic diversification, environmental protection, and improved national security through better resource governance.
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