Newscenter Media News The Nigerian Senate on Thursday proposed of a bill to establish the Nigerian Mine Rangers Service (NMRS) in a move towards addressing the pressing issue of illegal mining and its associated security threats.
According to Mohammed Onawo, the bill’s sponsor during plenary, “The proposed Mine Rangers Service will play a key role in curbing illegal mining, rescuing trapped miners, providing emergency medical care, investigating mining accidents, and enforcing mining regulations.”
This development comes on the heels of the Federal Government’s introduction of mining marshals, an inter-agency security outfit comprising special operatives from the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The mining marshals, launched in March 2024, aims to checkmate illegal mining of solid minerals across the country.
An initial 60 NSCDC personnel were to be drawn from each state and the federal capital territory (FCT) to be part of the marshals.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during the unveiling in Abuja back in March 2024, urged the operatives to stop theft and other nefarious activities around the country’s solid minerals sites.
The minister commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his efforts towards the creation of the marshals.
While the NMRS is intended to curb illegal mining activities and enhance security in mining regions, the establishment of this new security force raises questions about its effectiveness, coordination, and potential for duplication of efforts with existing security agencies.
The Need for a Specialized Force
The creation of a specialized security outfit to address the challenges posed by illegal mining is a logical step. Illegal mining activities have become a major security threat, contributing to the rise of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities. The NMRS, with its specific mandate and expertise in mining operations, can provide a more focused and effective response to these challenges.
Potential for Overlap with Existing Agencies
While the NMRS is intended to complement existing security agencies, there is a risk of overlap and duplication of efforts. The mining marshals, an inter-agency security outfit already in place, also have a mandate to address illegal mining. It is crucial to carefully define the roles and responsibilities of both the NMRS and the mining marshals to ensure that they work together effectively and avoid duplication.
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The Role of Established Security Agencies
The established security agencies, such as the police, civil defense, and military, will continue to play a vital role in addressing the broader security challenges in Nigeria. While the NMRS can provide specialized expertise in mining-related issues, these agencies will be essential for maintaining overall law and order and responding to broader security threats.
Cost Implications and Resource Allocation
The establishment of the NMRS will have significant cost implications. The government will need to allocate resources for the recruitment, training, and equipping of NMRS personnel. Given the current economic challenges and dwindling revenue, it is essential to carefully consider the financial implications of creating this new security force.
Consolidating Existing Efforts
Rather than creating a new security agency, it may be more efficient and cost-effective to strengthen and consolidate existing security agencies to address the challenges of illegal mining. By providing additional training, resources, and specialized equipment to existing agencies, the government can enhance their capacity to deal with mining-related issues.
Conclusion
The establishment of the NMRS is a positive step towards addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential for overlap with existing security agencies, and the mining marshals, the cost implications, and the need for effective coordination and collaboration. By addressing these issues, the NMRS can play a valuable role in enhancing security and promoting sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.
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