By Nkechi Eze
The National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC) has called for the passage of the Nigeria Mines Rangers (Establishment) Bill to strengthen efforts against illegal mining and crimes associated with the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The Commandant General of NUPEC and Nigeria Mines Ranger Services (NMRS), Dr. Chinedu S. Nneji, made the call on Monday in Abuja while addressing journalists to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace.
Nneji said the proposed legislation, including Senate Bill 523, which has been passed by the Senate and transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence, would provide a framework for establishing a specialised and properly regulated Mines Rangers Service.
“We believe that the establishment of an effective, professional and properly regulated Mines Rangers Service, working in collaboration with existing security agencies and relevant government institutions, can strengthen the protection of mining communities and legitimate mining activities,” he said.
He said the proposed service would also help protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, improve regulatory compliance, combat illegal mining and potentially increase government revenue from the lawful exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth.
Nneji linked competition over land and natural resources, illegal exploitation of minerals, environmental degradation and unemployment to tensions and insecurity in some communities, stressing the need for coordinated and sustainable solutions.
“The root cause of conflicts in our country is the struggle to control areas endowed with rare Earth’s resources, be it liquid or solid minerals. From the Niger Delta region to the Sahel region, the story is the same, which has resulted in the activities of different non-state actors,” he said.
The NUPEC chief said the Federal Government and security agencies had made efforts to address insecurity, but added that more remained to be done through stronger institutions, responsible resource management and community engagement.
He also commiserated with the Federal Government over the death of 37 alleged illegal miners in Niger State, calling for measures to improve safety and regulation in mining communities.
“We therefore call on all relevant stakeholders in the legislative and executive arms of government to give appropriate consideration to the objectives of the proposed legislation and to support measures that will strengthen the protection and responsible management of Nigeria’s mineral resources,” Nneji said.
He further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the bill if it eventually reaches his table, expressing the view that an established Mines Rangers Service could help reduce illegal mining and associated criminal activities while contributing to government revenue.
On the broader security situation, Nneji said conflicts such as farmer-herder disputes could not be addressed through a single intervention, urging sustained dialogue, effective law enforcement, responsible land and natural-resource management, protection of livelihoods, justice and community-based peacebuilding.
Speaking on the significance of the International Day of Peace, he urged Nigerians to make peace a daily commitment.
“Let us invest in peace instead of conflict. Let us invest in dialogue instead of confrontation. Let us invest in education instead of ignorance, opportunities instead of desperation, justice instead of impunity, and unity instead of division,” he said.
The 2026 International Day of Peace is being observed under the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Nneji said peace required deliberate and sustained investment, stressing that it was not merely the absence of violence but also the presence of justice, dignity, security, cooperation and hope.
“Peace does not happen by accident. Peace must be deliberately built, protected and sustained. It requires courage, sacrifice, justice, responsible leadership and, above all, the participation of all of us,” he said.
