FG Rejects Bill to Establish Security Outfit for Mining Sites

The federal government on Thursday rejected a bill that proposed the creation of a special security agency solely dedicated to protecting mining sites across Nigeria.

This decision comes amid escalating illegal mining activities and associated security challenges in the sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, expressed opposition to the bill, titled “Bill to Establish Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS),” during a public hearing at the National Assembly.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Onawo Ogoshi of Nasarawa South Senatorial District, seeks to establish the NMRS for enhanced security in mining areas. Representing Alake, Umar Bala from the ministry’s inspectorate department argued that the proposed agency would duplicate the efforts of the existing Special Mines Surveillance Task Force, which already monitors illegal mining under the coordination of the National Security Advisor.

Alake emphasized that strengthening the existing task force, rather than creating a new agency, would be more effective. “The special mines surveillance task force operates under an integrated framework involving multiple security agencies,” Alake explained, noting that the task force is coordinated by the National Security Advisor in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. He recommended that the Senate committee consider reinforcing the task force instead.

He also highlighted the potential of using advanced technology, such as drones, to improve monitoring efforts. “Deploying technology like drones in the mining sector can complement the kinetic surveillance methods by providing real-time data in digital format,” he added.

Supporting the ministry’s stance, Geraldine Okafor, an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Interior, argued that equipping the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other existing agencies would be a more practical solution than creating a new body. NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi also opposed the bill, stating that the proposed NMRS would encroach on NSCDC’s core mandate. He detailed the agency’s achievements, including the destruction of over 100 illegal mining sites and the prosecution of over 30 cases in court, to underline its capabilities in this area.

Defending the bill, Senator Ogoshi argued that existing security agencies have not been effective in curbing illegal mining activities. He maintained that a specialized agency like the NMRS could bring greater focus and effectiveness.

Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development Chairman Ekong Sampson concluded that all submissions made at the hearing would be carefully reviewed before reaching a decision on the proposed bill.