The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), seeks to provide a legal framework for safeguarding mining operations, enforcing environmental and safety regulations, and promoting sustainable mining practices in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

According to Onawo, the NMRS will be tasked with responsibilities such as curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, providing emergency medical response, investigating mining accidents, and ensuring compliance with mining standards.

“The establishment of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service,” he said, “will help to safeguard mining operations, enforce mining environmental and safety regulations, and promote sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.”

Read Also: Senate Reconvenes After Extended Recess

The bill, which was earlier considered and reported by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, chaired by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), scaled its third reading on Tuesday, marking a major legislative step toward its eventual establishment.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the intent of the bill and called for dedication from those who would eventually serve in the new agency.

Source: Punch