Windhoek: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has defended the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill 2025 amid criticism of the proposed offshore petroleum governance structure, urging members of Parliament to unite and reach consensus for passing the amendments. Ngurare made the remarks in the National Assembly on Wednesday while sharing his contribution towards the Bill under review. He defended it, stating that placing the Upstream Petroleum Unit within the Presidency does not reduce parliamentary control and saying the legislative changes aim to enhance oversight rather than circumvent it.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare stated, 'The Amendment Bill therefore does not remove oversight; it institutionalises it. It recognises that strategic leadership may be exercised from the Presidency, and accountability remains firmly anchored in the constitutional relationship between the Executive and Legislature.' He urged calm regarding transparency concerns, asserting that the clause in the Amendment Bill, which mandates annual reporting of all remissions, deferrals, or refunds of petroleum royalties to the National Assembly by 30 June 2026, addresses these fears.
The prime minister emphasised that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's intentions in the Amendment Bill are clear, genuine, and transparent. 'These two new resources (gas and oil) are technical in nature. They require clear lines of authority that improve coordination and fast, evidence-based decision-making on technical matters, uncompromised by bureaucratic delays in processes and systems,' he remarked. Ngurare stated that the president's executive power is not absolute, highlighting that the proposed amendments to the Petroleum Act do not diminish Parliament's oversight authority over the president's actions.
Ngurare further explained that the amendments are meant to keep tight control over petroleum products and ensure their proper utilisation for the benefit of the citizens. He emphasised the need for national unity and constructive debate, urging his fellow MPs to remember the 1991 legacy that led to the current Petroleum Bill. He called for setting aside political differences to prioritise national interests and unanimously pass the original Petroleum Act.
He also advocated for a consensus-driven approach to ensure the anticipated 2032 oil flow benefits future generations. Ngurare expressed disappointment that when the Amendment Bill was introduced in February 2026, he expected discussions on best practices for managing new resources but instead, the dialogue has devolved into political speeches about the Presidency, neglecting how these petroleum resources should benefit all Namibians.