Nigerian Senate Passes Bill to Establish Mines Rangers Service

Senate Approves New Service to Combat Illegal Mining

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, passed the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service Establishment Bill, 2025, a significant legislative step aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and strengthening oversight within the nation's solid minerals sector. The bill, which scaled its third reading after deliberations in the Committee of the Whole, seeks to establish a specialized enforcement agency to safeguard mining sites and ensure strict compliance with Nigeria's mining laws and regulations.

Objectives and Scope of the Mines Rangers Service

Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (SDP–Nasarawa), the bill outlines a comprehensive mandate for the proposed Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS). The service is designed to function as a specialized security outfit with responsibilities including:

• Curbing illegal and artisanal mining activities.
• Safeguarding mining operations and sites.
• Enforcing environmental and safety regulations.
• Promoting sustainable mining practices.
• Rescuing trapped miners and providing emergency medical response.
• Investigating mining-related accidents.
• Monitoring the extraction of national resources.

Addressing Economic Losses and Security Threats

The passage of the bill comes amid growing concerns over the substantial economic losses and security threats posed by illegal mining in Nigeria. Illegal mining has been linked to environmental degradation, significant revenue leakage, and violent conflicts in mineral-rich regions. During the bill's debate, lawmakers highlighted that Nigeria loses an estimated $18.9 billion annually to illegal mining. The new service is expected to protect investments, generate employment opportunities, and boost revenue generation for the country.

Legislative Support and Next Steps

The bill's passage followed the presentation of a report by Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the bill as a 'timely intervention' that will strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure proper management of Nigeria's mineral resources. Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) emphasized that the Rangers Service would provide a physical presence at mining sites, serving as 'eyes on the ground' to monitor resource extraction. The bill now awaits concurrence from the House of Representatives and subsequent presidential assent from President Bola Tinubu to become law.