By:Thenationonlineng

Nigeria faces a daunting challenge of illegal mining, losing an estimated $9 billion annually, Nigeria is grappling with the severe challenge of illegal mining, which drains an estimated $9 billion annually from the nation’s economy, according to the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

Recognizing these monumental losses, the Federal Government has consistently taken a firm stance against illegal mining.

One of its notable measures has been the establishment of the Special Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

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.

 The NSCDC’s Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes, dismantled illegal operations and brought perpetrators to justice.

Despite these strides, the Nigerian Senate recently passed a bill proposing the creation of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), an entirely new agency.

This move, rather than complementing ongoing efforts, risks undermining existing progress, creating redundancies, and diverting scarce resources at a time when the government is prioritizing cost-cutting and streamlining.

The NMRS Bill is not just unnecessary; it is counterproductive and poses a direct threat to the efficiency of Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining.

 This bill, championed by Hon. Onawo Ogoshi, aims to combat illegal mining, enforce mining regulations, and respond to emergencies within the sector. However, these functions are already being effectively carried out by the NSCDC Mining Marshals, whose trained personnel have dismantled illegal mining camps, arrested operators, and seized illegal mining equipment.

Recent successes, such as the dismantling of 34 illegal mining camps in Kogi and the arrests of over 300 operators, demonstrate that the existing framework is not only functional but robust.

 Proponents of the bill argue that establishing a specialized agency akin to the Mines Rescue Service in other countries would bolster efforts to combat illegal mining and improve emergency response in the sector. While this idea may seem appealing on the surface, it represents a significant misstep when considered within Nigeria’s unique context.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) already has a dedicated and well-trained Special Force specifically tasked with addressing illegal mining and related challenges. This unit has been operationally effective, demonstrating its capability to fulfill the very functions proposed for the new agency.

Establishing another agency, such as the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), would not enhance the fight against illegal mining but instead create unnecessary duplication of roles. It would introduce additional layers of bureaucracy, complicating coordination and slowing down decision-making processes.

Moreover, overlapping responsibilities between the NMRS and existing entities, particularly the NSCDC, are likely to result in jurisdictional conflicts.