The Federal Government has recently voiced strong opposition to a Senate bill proposing the creation of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) to address the persistent issue of illegal mining. During a public hearing on the bill held by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals in Abuja, officials and agencies expressed concerns that the new body would overlap with the existing responsibilities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). The bill, introduced by Senator Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, aimed to address the increase in illegal activities by creating a dedicated ranger service to monitor and protect Mining operations.
Onawo pointed out that Illegal Mining poses a major challenge, draining the country’s revenue. He stressed the importance of implementing a stronger, targeted strategy as the country seeks to diversify its Economy from relying on oil. Onawo further mentioned that the suggested NMRS might generate employment opportunities for the people of Nigeria. However, the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development, Justice, and Interior, along with the NSCDC and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), opposed the bill. They argued that it would unnecessarily duplicate functions already managed by the NSCDC and other agencies.
Emphasis was placed on existing agencies created for the same purpose.
During the session, Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, was represented by Umar Bala from the Mines Inspectorate Department. He noted that the government established the Special Mines Surveillance Task Force (SMSTF), a collaboration of various agencies, including the NSCDC, to tackle illegal mining systematically. Alake emphasised that the SMSTF promotes collaboration and efficient information exchange between the participating agencies, which he considers crucial for addressing illegal activities. Dr. Patrick Eoyan, the Director of Legal Services at the Ministry of Justice and representing Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, voiced similar views, emphasising the importance of enhancing the SMSTF instead of establishing a new agency.
He contended that the task force, which effectively unites multiple security entities under the oversight of the National Security Advisor, provides a coherent and unified strategy to address the matter at hand. Alake and various officials proposed that enhancing the current task force’s capabilities and providing it with necessary resources would be a more effective allocation of resources than creating a new agency. To strengthen the existing strategy, Alake suggested using technology, such as drones and digital monitoring systems, to improve the real-time monitoring of its operations. He asserted that utilising unmanned aerial vehicles would allow the government to increase the efficiency of its surveillance, resulting in faster detection and response to illegal activities.
Strengthening existing securities organisations will be prioritised.
Alake further emphasised the importance of incorporating non-military tactics into the government’s strategy to ensure enduring effectiveness and sustainability. As an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Interior, Geraldine Okafor expressed her worries regarding the suggested agency. She claimed establishing the NMRS would lead to redundant functions alongside the NSCDC’s responsibilities. Okafor proposed focusing on enhancing the NSCDC’s capabilities instead, particularly by improving training and upgrading equipment. She believes that a strengthened Civil Defense Corps would be able to manage the duties efficiently without necessitating the formation of a new, specialised unit.
Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC’s General Commandant, strongly disapproved of the proposed legislation, claiming it violates the organisation’s responsibilities. He emphasised that the corps is currently fighting illegal mining with its dedicated team, which has received military training for missions in mining regions. He disclosed that the NSCDC has made notable progress, dismantling over 100 unlawful mining operations and apprehending over 50 individuals, including several foreign nationals. Audi stated that the NSCDC has over 30 active court cases concerning illegal mining. Audi argued that the current NSCDC mandate, supported by legal frameworks, encompasses industrial security, specifically protecting Nigeria’s natural assets from unlawful use. He cautioned that introducing the NMRS might undermine the NSCDC’s initiatives by dividing duties presently managed effectively by the Corps.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio, through Senator Diket Plang from Plateau State, took part in the hearing. He stated the importing of legislative measures that enhance national security, boost Economic Growth and promote citizen welfare. Akpabio affirmed his dedication to implementing laws that enable the responsible and regulated extraction of Mineral resources, warning against any methods that might jeopardise the safety or well-being of the citizens. In response to these criticisms, Senator Onawo defended his proposal, arguing that the existing agencies have struggled to curb illegal mining effectively. However, Ekong Sampson, the Senate Committee Chairman, assured all parties that their perspectives would be considered as the Senate deliberates on the most viable path forward.