The Senate has passed the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service Establishment Bill 2025 to curb illegal mining and strengthen regulation in the nation’s solid minerals sector.
The bill’s passage followed the presentation of a report by Ekong Samson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development.
The proposed Mines Rangers Service will function as a specialised agency to secure mining sites and ensure compliance with mining laws.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the bill would improve regulation and enforcement under the current Mining Act, describing it as a timely intervention to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Kebbi South Senator Garba Maidoki also backed the bill, saying the Rangers would serve as on-ground monitors to safeguard mining operations and investments.
After consideration in the committee of the whole, the bill passed its third reading.
