By Onilede Titi Faith
The Senate has passed a bill establishing the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), a specialised agency to combat illegal and artisanal mining across the country.
Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP-Nasarawa), the bill aims to provide a legal framework for securing mining operations, enforcing safety standards, and promoting sustainable practices in the extractive sector.
The NMRS will be tasked with curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, responding to emergencies, and investigating mining-related incidents.
The bill, which scaled its third reading after review by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, chaired by Senator Ekong Samson, marks a major step toward formalising the agency.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the initiative, saying it would help protect mining communities and curb the environmental and security challenges linked to illegal mining.
