Windhoek:Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Member of Parliament Tobie Aupindi has expressed his support for the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill. He emphasizes the need for strong, professional, and accountable institutions to manage Namibia's emerging petroleum sector.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Aupindi highlighted that Namibia is transitioning from merely discussing the potential of becoming a petroleum-producing nation to preparing for significant oil and gas discoveries, international energy companies, and considerable capital investment. The proposed Bill suggests establishing an Upstream Petroleum Unit within the Office of the President and reallocating certain powers from the Minister and Commissioner for Petroleum Affairs to the President, Director-General, and Deputy Director-General of this new unit.
During a debate in the National Assembly, Aupindi underscored the necessity for a governance structure in the petroleum sector that matches its strategic importance. However, he noted that the success of these reforms would rely on the operational framework of the new unit.
Aupindi proposed six guiding principles for the unit: clear policy direction, professional administration, rules-based decision-making, separation of functions, parliamentary oversight, and ensuring national benefits. He stressed the importance of having the unit led by individuals with strong technical competence and integrity, alongside skilled professionals like geologists, engineers, economists, lawyers, and environmental specialists to engage with international oil companies effectively.
He also insisted that decisions regarding petroleum rights, exploration licenses, work programs, and development plans should adhere to clear procedures and published criteria. Aupindi emphasized that serious investors demand certainty and that Namibia requires a system where decisions are technically justified, thoroughly documented, and consistently applied.
Furthermore, he advocated for a clear distinction between policymaking, regulation, and commercial participation to minimize conflicts of interest. Aupindi concluded by stating that the success of the petroleum sector should be measured by its benefits to Namibians, including job creation, local business involvement, skill development, and infrastructure improvement. He urged Parliament to support the Bill, ensuring its implementation is grounded in transparency, accountability, technical competence, and professionalism.