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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill aimed at establishing the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), designed to combat illegal and artisanal mining within the country.
The bill, which has passed its second reading, was introduced by Sen. Mohammed Onawo (SDP-Nasarawa) during Thursday’s plenary session.
In his presentation, Sen. Onawo highlighted that the NMRS would be responsible for safeguarding mining operations and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations in the sector.
The service would also promote sustainable mining practices across Nigeria.
The NMRS, once operational, will function as a specialized security unit to tackle illegal mining activities, provide rescue services for trapped miners, administer emergency medical care, investigate mining accidents, and enforce adherence to mining regulations.
“The bill has been painstakingly developed and streamlined to curb illegal mining, thereby providing avenues for harnessing the vast mineral resources in Nigeria.
“The bill is a bold legislative step geared towards the diversification of our economy by de-emphasising monolithic focus on oil as the main source of the country’s revenue,” Sen. Onawo remarked.
Several lawmakers voiced their support during the debate. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) stressed the potential of the NMRS to prevent the loss of an estimated $18.9 billion annually due to illegal mining.
He also noted that the security outfit would play a key role in curbing banditry, which often intersects with illegal mining activities.
The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over the session, lauded the bill as timely, noting its importance in providing security and regulatory oversight within the mining sector.
He further pointed out that addressing illegal mining could help identify and apprehend criminals involved in both mining and banditry.
Sen. Jibrin subsequently referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals for further deliberation, with the committee expected to report back within two weeks.
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