Swapo Party Members of Parliament (MP)s continue to defend the Petroleum Bill, lamenting that the bill is not aimed at centralizing power, but rather at protecting national interest, improving policy coordination, and expediting investment.
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.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged members of parliament to familiarise themselves with the National Development Plans.
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.
The Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill, which was recently tabled in the National Assembly in Parliament, has been rejected by the opposition party IPC.
Political analyst and project management expert Joshua Mario has suggested that parliamentarians engage more cordially during debates.
He urges lawmakers to interact more during recesses and breaks, a gesture he says will greatly improve their working relationships.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) says it supports the urgent consideration of bills brought before Parliament but warns that urgency must be matched with organised diligence.
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.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will officially open the third session of the eighth parliament on Tuesday.
In Zambia, a controversial constitutional amendment Bill, number 7 of 2025, passed both the 2nd and 3rd readings with almost 100% votes.
When the Bill came up for the 2nd reading on Monday, 131 members voted in favour, while only two voted against it.
