The Federal Government and key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Solid Minerals, Justice, Interior, and various security agencies, have opposed a bill proposing the establishment of the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service (NMRS).
Intended to tackle illegal mining and other crimes in the mining sector, the NMRS bill, sponsored by Senator Ogoshi Mohammed Onawo, is seen by these stakeholders as duplicating the role of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Senator Onawo advocated for the NMRS to provide specialized security for mining operations, enforce environmental standards, and foster sustainable mining practices.
The proposed NMRS would also serve as an emergency response unit, addressing illegal mining, mining accidents, and other crises, with the aim of reducing the estimated $15.9 billion lost annually to illegal mining.

However, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Dr. Patrick Eka Eoyan, argued that the bill’s mandate overlaps with the NSCDC, which already has a broad scope under Section 3 of its establishment act that could cover mining-related crimes. “There is no need to create another body when existing agencies, if properly equipped and staffed, can address the issues,” he noted.

Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele H. Alake echoed this view, advocating for a collaborative, multi-agency approach through the Special Mines Surveillance Task Force (SMSTF), rather than establishing a new agency. Dr. Alake recommended enhancing SMSTF’s operations with technology, like drones, to improve surveillance across mining areas.

Kiera Jean Okafor, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Interior, also supported strengthening current agencies, especially the NSCDC. She argued that with adequate training, equipment, and cross-agency cooperation, existing security forces could handle illegal mining effectively without creating redundancies.

The opposition highlights a consensus among government ministries and agencies on addressing illegal mining through better coordination and resourcing of existing forces, rather than adding new structures that may lead to duplication of efforts.

***Demand for Proof of Zonal Intervention Projects in FCT

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Heebah Kingibe,has demanded concrete evidence of intervention projects purportedly completed in her constituency in a move to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a recent Senate Committee on Water Resources meeting, Kingibe voiced concerns over projects claimed to be completed in the FCT without any visible proof.
“I will get to the bottom of this, no matter what it takes,” she vowed, questioning how intervention projects in her jurisdiction could be marked as completed without her knowledge or documentation.
The meeting, held at the National Assembly, featured a report from Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Joseph Utsef, who responded to Kingibe’s previous complaints about a lack of transparency from the Niger Basin Development Authority (NBDA). According to Senator Kingibe, the Director General of NBDA has not provided adequate details about the projects, prompting her to demand answers.
Expressing her disapproval, Kingibe told the committee she was unaware of 14 specific projects reported as completed, adding that she had thoroughly documented all projects she personally initiated.
“He [the DG] cannot do any intervention project without my knowledge or documentation,” she stressed.

In a video shared with the media, Kingibe explained that the NBDA’s Director General claimed all 14 projects were completed and assured the committee that he knew their locations.
Kingibe, however, insisted that these locations be disclosed to the Senate for verification.

Among the projects in question are;
Road construction, Perimeter fencing and furnishing of health centers across the FCT, Renovation of public buildings in the FCT, Installation of boreholes in three area councils within the FCT

Senator Kingibe also demanded proof of fertilizer distribution to FCT farmers, requesting a verified list of beneficiaries and their locations.

Responding to the senator’s inquiries, Utsef apologized for not having the requested documentation on hand and assured the committee that he would work to provide the necessary details shortly.

The meeting included the Minister of Water Resources, the Permanent Secretary, department heads, and members of the Senate Committee on Water Resources. Committee chairman Senator Kenneth Eze emphasized that the National Assembly would not tolerate any misuse of public funds and would closely monitor resource allocation to ensure transparency and accountability.

The National Assembly (NASS) on Thursday raised the ante in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking by calling for greater involvement of parents in the fight. This appeal was made during a one-day sensitization program organized by the joint committee on Drugs and Narcotics in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring (NANDRUM).

Speaking at the event, themed “Parents’ Inclusion in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviors,” Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Godswill Akpabio, emphasized the critical role of parents in combating the drug crisis. Represented by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru, Akpabio highlighted the importance of tackling drug abuse from the home.

“Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse takes the battle to the foundation,” Akpabio said. “Those who become addicts or traffickers come from homes before ending up on the streets. Today’s program theme is timely and essential for an effective battle against this menace.”

He further urged parents to embrace their vital role in shaping their children’s lives, stating, “This fight is for our future generations. The greatest gift a parent can give is not wealth, but values: integrity, courage, and resilience. Let us equip our children with the tools to face life’s challenges without falling victim to drugs.”

In his address, Mallam Isa Garba, speaking on behalf of the Senate and House Committee Chairmen on Drugs and Narcotics, expressed that the program was organized to amplify the fight against drug abuse, recognizing the influence of a strong parental foundation in preventive efforts.

The joint committee’s initiative is a reflection of a growing national resolve to involve families in the ongoing campaign to curb drug abuse in Nigeria, focusing on prevention from the home as a means to secure a healthier society.