Namibian Opposition Fights Presidential Power Grab Over Oil and Gas

Namibia's opposition parties are mounting a crucial resistance against a bill that would strip regulatory authority over the oil and gas sector from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and hand it directly to the Office of the President. This move, they argue, threatens to deepen political interference and open the door to unchecked corruption, as the nation's natural resources risk falling under the control of a single, unaccountable office.

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill, introduced by Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse, proposes to establish an Upstream Petroleum Unit within the presidency. This unit would centralize regulatory, licensing, and compliance functions—currently distributed among various democratic institutions—under a director-general handpicked by the president, further eroding public oversight.

Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula condemned the bill, warning that shifting control to the presidency would concentrate power in the hands of the executive, undermining transparency and accountability. Hangula stressed that such centralization is a recipe for elite enrichment and policy manipulation, sidelining the interests of ordinary Namibians in favor of those with political connections.

National Unity Democratic Organisation MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu echoed these concerns, highlighting the ever-present risk of greed corrupting the industry. Kandorozu argued that presidential oversight could foster conflicts of interest and scare away investors who demand transparent, democratic regulatory frameworks, ultimately harming the public good.

Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula also rejected the bill, asserting that it represents a direct assault on parliamentary authority and a dangerous centralization of power in the presidency. Itula warned that such a move would weaken constitutional checks and balances, further enabling the political elite to exploit Namibia's resources for their own gain.

Defending the bill, Minister Amutse claimed it would enhance institutional capacity and align governance with so-called international best practices, but critics argue that these justifications mask a blatant power grab. While Amutse insists on accountability to parliament and the people, the bill's true effect would be to undermine democratic oversight and entrench executive dominance.

The bill has been sent to the relevant parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and public consultations, but the struggle continues as opposition parties and civil society fight to protect Namibia's resources from elite capture and ensure true democratic governance.