Windhoek: The debate on the amendment of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Bill, 1991, remains ongoing, with opponents arguing that its implementation could undermine ministerial and parliamentary oversight. The Bill, reintroduced to the National Assembly this month by Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy Modestus Amutse, is deemed strategically significant for the management and governance of Namibia's petroleum resources.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Amutse stated that the amendments modernise the 1991 Petroleum Act to reflect current realities and align Namibia's petroleum governance with international standards while ensuring public accountability. However, this Bill continues to face criticism, with prominent lawyer and political analyst Natjirikasora Tjirera saying that the notion of granting the president all powers concerning oil dealings is fundamentally flawed.

Tjirera remarked, "It's flawed in the sense that you are starting with powers right at the end. The president, being the ultimate executive, has to be the final decision maker on this issue, but it seems all powers will be transferred to her, and she will be the beginning and the end." He indicated that such a situation compromises transparency while recommending that the Bill should grant authority to the minister and, if necessary, establish presidential oversight on oil agreements.

"Since the president is not a member of Parliament, it will be cumbersome for Parliament to exercise their oversight powers over someone who is not a member of Parliament," Tjirera added. He further stated that this indicates the president's lack of trust in her ministers, which may explain her tendency to handle matters independently.

Tjirera noted, "Either of the reasons should be a huge concern for the public because when you appoint ministers, yet you don't trust them, we should question why they were appointed in the first place." Amutse recently defended the bill, arguing that centralising oil and gas sector oversight under the presidency is crucial amid global energy market volatility. The bill proposes changes to the 1991 Petroleum Act, creating a joint oversight model. The amendments establish a three-part structure involving the President's Office, the Upstream Petroleum Unit, and the minister's ministry.