Swapo Party MP Tuulikki Abraham has backed the Petroleum Amendment Bill, saying parliament must align existing laws with the Executive's decision to shift certain petroleum oversight powers to the Presidency.

The debate on the Petroleum Amendment Bill took an unexpected turn in parliament, with the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) being the only opposition party supporting the bill.

This stirred up some commotion in the house. 

It was a back and forth in the National Assembly as MPs discussed the Petroleum Amendment Bill.

Most MPs from the opposition opposed the bill, citing the president's oversight over the unit as a sign of lack of confidence in the line ministry.

Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has tabled the Petroleum Amendment Bill in Parliament, transferring management of Namibia's petroleum sector to the Office of the President.

The Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Frans Kapofi, has proposed tabling the Petroleum Amendment Bill, aimed at establishing an upstream petroleum unit as well as introducing measures to strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability.