Senator Onyesoh opposes creation of Mine Rangers Service

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Government Affairs, Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East, PDP), has called on the Senate to empower the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, with enhanced legal authority to address illegal mining activities in Nigeria.

Senator Onyesoh stated this on Thursday during a public hearing for the “Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) to Prevent, Combat Illegal Mining, Artisanal Mining, and Other Crimes, and for Related Matters, 2024 (SB 253).”

In a statement released by his SA Media and Publicity, Peter Oriri, the senator said creating an additional agency like NMRS would be redundant and inefficient.

The bill, introduced by Senator Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa South, PDP) and which passed through a second reading on September 25, 2024, aims to establish a specialised force to tackle illegal mining and related issues.

Senator Onyesoh argued that instead of duplicating functions across agencies, NSCDC should be strengthened to fulfil its constitutional role in curbing illegal mining.

He proposed bolstering NSCDC with additional personnel, modern equipment, patrol vehicles, adequate housing, and increased allowances to improve officers’ morale and effectiveness in protecting national infrastructure.

The hearing was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) as the special guest of honour, and Senator Ekong Sampson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, who served as the chief host.

Representatives from key agencies, including the Nigerian Customs Service, Army, Immigration, Peace Corps, and officials from the Ministries of Justice, Interior, and Mines and Steel Development, as well as youth groups and traditional leaders, also participated in the hearing.