By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigeria Mines Rangers Bill, which seeks to create a specialized force to address illegal mining, encountered strong resistance during a Senate Committee hearing in Abuja. Key agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), argued that the bill would lead to role duplication, overlapping with existing efforts to curb illegal mining.
Engr. Umar Barau from the Ministry of Solid Minerals noted that the Mines Surveillance Taskforce already tackles illegal mining issues, integrating resources from multiple security agencies, including the NSCDC. Similarly, Geraldine Okafor from the Ministry of Interior highlighted that supporting and training the NSCDC would offer a more effective solution than creating a new agency.
NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Audi expressed that their Special Forces, trained by the military, are already managing illegal mining operations efficiently. Audi detailed their success in dismantling over 100 illegal mining sites near state borders, emphasizing that the NSCDC remains committed to this cause without requiring an additional agency.
Sen. Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, assured that the committee would consider all viewpoints before making a final decision on the bill.
