By Nkechi Eze
The National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC) and the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) have called for stronger measures to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, tackle illegal mining and improve government revenue from the mining sector.
The call was made during a visit to selected mining sites in the South-East as part of activities marking the 2026 Mining Week, scheduled for October 12 to 14.
The delegation, comprising senior officers of NUPEC and NMRS, was led by the Deputy Commandant General of the Corps in the South-East Zone, Udechukwu Okolo.
Okolo said the visit was aimed at assessing the operational conditions of the mining sites and obtaining situation reports to guide the development of strategic action plans for improved protection and security of mining operations.
He commended the Federal Government for observing the Mining Week, noting that the programme provides an opportunity to examine the environmental and economic implications of mining activities, as well as strategies for effective resource management and sustainable development.
According to him, Nigeria is endowed with abundant mineral resources that could significantly contribute to national development and revenue generation if properly managed, protected and harnessed.
He stressed that safeguarding the country’s mineral wealth against illegal exploitation requires a coordinated approach involving security agencies, government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
“Against this background, the National Unity and Peace Corps and the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service have advocated for the establishment of a specialised Nigeria Mines Rangers Service through appropriate legislation,” Okolo said.
He explained that the proposed service was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and combat illegal mining and other criminal activities associated with the unlawful exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
Okolo disclosed that the National Assembly had considered the Nigeria Mines Rangers (Establishment) Bill, including Senate Bill 523, which was passed and transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
He expressed confidence that the establishment of a professional, effective and properly regulated Mines Rangers Service would complement existing security agencies and relevant government institutions in protecting mining communities and legitimate mining operations.
According to him, the proposed service could also improve regulatory compliance, strengthen the fight against illegal mining, safeguard mineral resources and enhance government revenue from the lawful exploitation of the country’s natural wealth.
The NUPEC deputy commandant general therefore urged relevant stakeholders in the legislative and executive arms of government to give due consideration to the proposed legislation and support initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and responsible management of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He also commended the Commandant General of NUPEC and the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service, Dr Chinedu Nneji, for his sustained efforts towards the establishment and development of the Corps and the Mines Rangers Service in Nigeria.
Okolo maintained that effective protection of the mining sector would not only help curb illegal activities but also promote responsible resource management, economic growth and the long-term benefits of Nigeria’s mineral wealth to its citizens.
