Senate Passes Bill for Nigeria Mines Rangers Service

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Senate has passed a bill to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) — a specialised security agency that will combat illegal and artisanal mining across the country, marking a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to secure its mineral resources and strengthen the extractive industry.

The proposed law, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), seeks to create a legal and institutional framework to protect mining operations, enforce safety and environmental standards, and promote sustainable resource management nationwide.

Presenting the bill during Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Onawo said the new agency would serve as a frontline force against illegal miners and criminal syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

“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 Mines Rangers will be empowered to rescue trapped miners, provide emergency medical response, investigate mining-related accidents, and ensure full compliance with national mining standards.

The lawmaker emphasised that unchecked illegal mining has continued to cost Nigeria billions of naira in lost revenue while fueling insecurity and environmental degradation in mining communities.

During deliberations, several senators praised the bill as both “timely and strategic,” noting that it would help restore order in Nigeria’s mining zones and protect legitimate investors.

The legislation, earlier reviewed and adopted by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, chaired by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), scaled its third reading on Tuesday, clearing the path for its transmission to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the bill’s intent, describing it as a bold step toward national resource protection and reform in the mining sector.

“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 as a paramilitary-style agency under the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, working alongside the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other law enforcement bodies to strengthen national mining security.