Namibia’s Petroleum Amendment Bill has passed its second reading in parliament following opposition lawmakers’ withdrawal from an earlier debate over its current form.
The proposed legislation has sparked strong criticism from the public, opposition parties, and analysts, who argue that it could weaken regulatory oversight and concentrate control of Namibia’s oil and gas sector in the presidency.
The bill forms a key part of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s regulatory reform agenda. Its passage marks an important test of her plans for managing the country’s petroleum sector.
The presidency has defended the bill, arguing that establishing a new regulatory authority within the president’s office will speed up decision-making while maintaining the necessary checks and balances.
The bill will now go to parliamentary committees for a detailed review before returning to the National Assembly for final approval.
Namibia continues to attract global interest in oil exploration as it works towards its first oil production around 2030.
source: www.reuters.com
African Energy Council