Namibian Opposition Challenges Proposed Shift of Oil and Gas Oversight to Presidency

Namibia's opposition parties are contesting a bill that seeks to transfer regulatory authority over the oil and gas sector from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to the Office of the President, citing concerns over potential political interference and corruption.

The proposed Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill, introduced by Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse, aims to establish an Upstream Petroleum Unit within the presidency. This unit would centralize regulatory, licensing, and compliance functions, currently distributed across various institutions, under a director-general appointed by the president.

Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula expressed opposition to the bill, stating that shifting control to the presidency could lead to policy influence and licensing decisions being concentrated in a single entity, potentially reducing transparency and accountability.

National Unity Democratic Organisation member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu highlighted the risk of the industry being tainted by greed, suggesting that presidential oversight could create conflicts of interest and deter investors seeking transparent regulatory frameworks.

Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula objected to the bill, arguing that it undermines parliamentary authority and centralizes power in the presidency, which could weaken constitutional accountability.

In defense of the bill, Minister Amutse emphasized its strategic importance in governing Namibia's petroleum resources, aiming to enhance institutional capacity and align governance structures with international best practices while maintaining accountability to parliament and the Namibian people.

The bill has been referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and public consultations ahead of debate in the National Assembly.