Illegal mining: Senate considers bill for creation of special security outfit

The Senate on Thursday passed for second reading a bill seeking the establishment of a special security outfit to tackle illegal mining in the country.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa South).

Senator Onawo in his lead debate on the bill during plenary said when established, the security outfit would be saddled with the responsibilities of safeguarding mining operations, enforcing mining/environmental and safety regulations as well as promoting sustainable mining practices in the country.

He explained that the proposed Mine Rangers Service as a specialised security outfit, if created, will among others curb illegal mining across the country,  investigate mining accidents and enforce compliance with mining regulations.

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Contributing, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) said the proposed security outfit would help to stop the yearly loss of $18.9billion by Nigeria to illegal mining.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session said, “The proposed law for a special security outfit for the mining sector is very apt because it will also help to identify criminals.”