The Network of Non-Governmental Organizations in Osun State has described the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service Bill as a potent initiative that would address the daunting challenge of illegal mining.
It, therefore, urged the Senate to speedily ensure the passage of the bill. The Network also called on President Bola Tinubu to quickly give assent to the bill upon its passage by the lawmakers.
The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development had disclosed that Nigeria faces a daunting challenge of illegal mining, losing an estimated $9 billion annually.
Recognising these monumental losses, the Federal Government has consistently taken a firm stance against illegal mining; nonetheless, the problem persists despite the establishment of the Special Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
These marshals have been working relentlessly to clamp down on illegal miners who exploit the country’s valuable mineral resources, effectively fleecing the nation of its collective wealth.
Worried by recurring atrocities of illegal miners and destruction of land in grassroots communities, the Nigerian Senate recently passed a bill proposing the creation of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service, an entirely new agency to confront the menace headlong.
Throwing their weight on the Bill, the civil society organisations under the aegis of NETNOS, stressed the need for stakeholders to join the federal government in curbing illegal mining and diversion of the nation’s wealth.
NETNOS recalled how it earlier submitted its contribution during the public hearing session in support of the establishment of Nigeria Mines Rangers Service. It asked the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Chairman, and Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Ekong Samson, and other senators to positively support the legislation of the Bill for the establishment of Mines Rangers.
“We want to sincerely appeal to our able and indefatigable President, Asiwaju Hammed Tinubu, to speedily assent to the Bill when it gets to his desk. This crucial institution will revolutionise the Solid Minerals Resources sector, ensuring Nigeria’s rich endowment benefits of our Nation and its people.
“Nigeria has lost so much revenue due to ongoing illegal mining in the country. Cases abound where people have alleged that helicopters and small aircrafts have landed in Nigeria forests to cart away our precious minerals out of the country without recourse to the federal government of Nigeria.
“Statistics have shown that Nigeria loses a whopping N12 trillion as a result of illegal mining. The Senate has done due diligence in sponsoring this Bill and it is our sincere hope that this effort will yield positive results. It is our utmost belief that this shall create employment, administer proper licensing fees, acquire proper royalties, and ensure proper revenue generation.
“It is in view of the above that we support and recommend the passage of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service as envisioned addressing the challenges being faced by the mining industry which includes illegal mining activities, environmental degradation, community conflicts, and revenue leakages.
“Among key benefits of Mines Rangers include improved investor confidence, increased government revenue, job creation and economic growth, enhanced environmental sustainability, better community relations,” the President of NETNOS, Michael Ebofin said.
Ebofin asked the committee to approve the use of firearms for Mine Rangers and provide funds for training, adding that this will aid in the effective discharge of their responsibilities, bearing in mind that the activities of bandits are inimical to the development of the sector and needs to be contained drastically.
