The Senate Committee Chairman on Federal Character and Inter-Government Affairs, Senator (Chief) Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East/PDP), has urged the Senate to empower the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with the necessary laws to curb illegal mining in the country.

He made the submission on Thursday while speaking at a public hearing on the “Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) to Prevent, Combat Illegal Mining, Artisanal Mining, and Other Crimes, and for Related Matters, 2024 (SB 253)”.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa South/PDP), a member of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, passed its second reading in the Senate on September 25, 2024.

Onyesoh argued that creating additional agencies to perform the same functions as the NSCDC would lead to duplication and waste of resources. He emphasised instead, the importance of empowering and enhancing the functionality of the NSCDC to fulfil its constitutional role of curbing illegal mining activities.

He advocated for the recruitment of additional personnel, provision of equipment, patrol vehicles, housing and increased allowances to boost the morale of NSCDC officers who have a specialised mandate to protect critical national infrastructure.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was represented by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central), as the special guest of honour and Senator Ekong Sampson while the chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development served as chief host.

The public hearing also featured representatives from the Nigerian Customs Service, Army, Immigration Service, Peace Corps, the ministries of justice, interior, mines and steel development, as well as youth groups and traditional leaders.