Namibian Opposition Raises Concerns Over Proposed Oil and Gas Legislation
On February 5, 2026, Namibian lawmakers began reviewing a proposed amendment to the Petroleum Act that would transfer certain powers from the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy to the Office of the President. This legislative change aims to place the oil and gas sector under the direct control of the Presidency. Opposition parties in Namibia have expressed significant concerns about this proposal, citing risks of corruption, mismanagement, and the dangers of centralized authority over the sector. Key figures involved in the debate include members of the Namibian Parliament and opposition leaders such as Modestus Amutse, Tuhafeni Hangula, Elvis Lizazi, and Manuel Ngaringombe. The discussions highlight tensions over governance and control of petroleum resources in Namibia. The review and debate over the bill are ongoing as stakeholders continue to assess its implications.
