The Federal Government has opposed the bill to create the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service (NMRS), aimed at curbing illegal mining, citing redundancy with existing security frameworks.
During a public hearing in Abuja, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Dr. Patrick Eoyan, and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake expressed concerns that the proposed agency would duplicate the roles of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
They suggested reinforcing the current Special Mines Surveillance Task Force (SMSTF) and leveraging technology like drones for enhanced surveillance.
The bill, championed by Senator Ogoshi Onawo (PDP-Nasarawa), sought to set up a specialized force to protect mining operations and enforce industry regulations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau), stressed the importance of laws that bolster security and productivity, advocating for revisions to existing legislation to ensure mining activities contribute positively to the economy and safeguard citizens’ welfare.
Akpabio emphasized that mining processes should not endanger lives but should instead foster economic growth.
This opposition comes as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to address resource exploitation and associated insecurity.
Dele Alake had previously announced plans for a mining police force under the Ministry of Solid Minerals and discussed deploying specialized security in regions where economic activities have been stifled by banditry and other security issues.
Current measures include deploying 10,000 agro-rangers through the NSCDC to bolster security in agriculture-rich areas.
