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By Jacinta Hycenth, Abuja
The Commandant General of National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC)/Nigeria Mine Rangers Service (NMRS), Dr. Chinedu Nneji, has lauded the leadership of the Senate for the swift passage of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Establishment Bill.
The Red Chamber had on Tuesday 21 October, 2025, passed a bill that sought to establish the NMRS with bill number SB 253, designed to combat illegal and artisanal mining activities in the country.
The bill sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo, Senator representing Nasarawa South, came amid growing concerns over the economic losses and security threats posed by illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation, revenue leakage, and violent conflicts in mineral-rich regions.
During a press briefing on Wednesday organised by the NUPEC, the Commandant sought cooperation of both the lower chamber and upper chamber towards fast-tracking the process in order complete the legislative requirements for the bill.
Nneji also expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will graciously assent to the bill, transforming it into an Act of Parliament, giving it significance.
His words: “The idea of the bill was conceived out of my genuine love, concern and interest on one of the nation’s natural resources – solid minerals. I noticed that there was a lacuna in securing mining and mining sites in the solid minerals sector which drives the economies of most advanced countries in the world.
“This gap gave opportunities for illegal mining and mining activities to be flourishing with the federal government losing lots of revenue and creating an enabling environment for banditry to flourish.
“This is the foundation of my thought to champion this noble bill.”
He explained further that “The bill went through due diligence in the National Assembly. It was duly gazetted with and given a senate bill number (SB 253). The bill went through first reading, second reading, public hearing before the third reading which was given yesterday. From that yesterday, we have already kick started efforts to seek for concurrence from the House of Representatives. We are optimistic that the Lower Chamber will cooperate with the Upper Chamber by fast-tracking the process so as to complete the legislative processes in the National Assembly.”
He highlighted the socioeconomic impact of the NMRS on the nation and her economy including – increasing government revenue, creating employment for Nigerians and drastically reducing accidents at mining sites.
Additional benefits he highlighted encompasses providing total enforcement in the mining sector and minimizing negative environmental impact on host communities.
According to him, the organisation, which is known as the National Unity and Peace Corps has its Command Headquarters in Abuja and operational command offices in all the 36 states of the federation. He added that its personnel will soon commence further training in order to prepare them for the task ahead.
