Reps Halt Mines Rangers Bill Over Fears Of Police Duties Overlap

The House of Representatives has stepped down a bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service over concerns that some of its proposed powers could conflict with the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, raised the concerns during the Committee of the Whole while lawmakers considered the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service Establishment Bill (SB.253), sponsored by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a dedicated service to prevent and combat illegal mining, artisanal mining and other related crimes.
The disagreement centred on Clause 23 of the bill, which provi...