To mitigate the financial losses caused by illegal mining, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North, has advocated for the creation of a ranger service aimed at addressing this problem, Igbere TV reports.
During a plenary session, Kalu highlighted that Nigeria faces an annual loss of around $15.9 billion as a result of unauthorized mining activities.
He further emphasized that a well-trained ranger service could not only help curb illegal mining but also support law enforcement agencies like the police and customs in fighting smuggling. Kalu suggested that the rangers should be armed to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.
The senator underscored the importance of protecting Nigeria’s mining regions, noting that the mining sector has the potential to surpass crude oil in revenue generation. He encouraged Nigerians to make the most of the abundant natural resources available throughout the country.
