NMRS calls for stronger mining sector collaboration
By Adamu Dauda Mohammed.
Bauchi State Commandant of the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS), Mr Muhammad Sani, has called on the Bauchi State Government to strengthen institutional collaboration with the Service in the implementation of the Mining Institute Alkaleri, Bauchi State.
He made the call in an exclusive interview with newsmen in his office.
He expressed satisfaction with Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s assent to the law establishing the institute.
Muhammad Sani described the development as a significant milestone towards strengthening the state’s solid minerals sector, promoting technical education and accelerating economic growth.
According to him, the institute would provide an opportunity to develop skilled manpower in mining, mineral processing, geology and related disciplines, while promoting the effective utilisation of Bauchi State’s mineral resources.
The Commandant commended Governor Bala Mohammed and the Bauchi State House of Assembly for supporting the initiative, which he said would create employment opportunities for young people and strengthen the state’s mining industry.
He, however, stressed the need to complement the establishment of the institute with effective security arrangements, regulatory compliance, environmental protection and proper monitoring of mining activities.
According to him, collaboration among relevant institutions is essential to tackling illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that the state derives maximum benefits from its mineral resources.
Muhammad Sani urged the Ministry of Natural Resources Development to formally integrate the NMRS State Command into relevant mining programmes, committees and institutional partnerships.
He explained that such collaboration would enhance intelligence gathering, monitoring of mining locations, public awareness and support for lawful mining operations.
He also advocated the establishment of mechanisms for information sharing, joint capacity building programmes and coordinated monitoring involving relevant federal and state institutions.
The Commandant maintained that effective cooperation among stakeholders would position MIABAS not only as a centre for technical education but also as part of a broader framework for responsible and sustainable mineral resource management.
He expressed optimism that the institute would promote entrepreneurship, local participation and employment opportunities across the solid minerals value chain, ultimately boosting government revenue and improving the livelihoods of residents.
Muhammad Sani therefore appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed and the state government to make institutional collaboration with the NMRS a priority in the implementation of the state’s mining development agenda.
