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. 

NEFF MP Longinus Iipumbu, in his contribution, supported the Bill, with the rest of the opposition clearly disappointed with the party's decision.

"Political dependence without economic control is meaningless. Hon. members, hon. speaker. This bill moves Namibia closer to completing the unfinished struggle for liberation. 

Iipumbu stated that the line ministry conducts all evaluations, ensures compliance with national laws and formally submits recommendations to the president.

This raised eyebrows from the opposition, with AR MP Job Amupanda suggesting his statement was contradictory.

"So there is an unequivocal support of the Bill," then the member said that the application and the regulation should come from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy. Clause two A of the Bill specifies clearly that the objective is to regulate, manage, and coordinate petroleum affairs, including to grant and issue licences. So there are contradictions in terms."

Debate on the Bill commences on Thursday.