The National Assembly has passed the second reading of the Petroleum Amendment Bill.

The Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Modestus Amutse, has expressed appreciation to MPs who supported the bill.

“But for this, I really have to thank you because it will help our country strengthen the management of our oil resources. Thank you, Honourable Members, for your support.”

However, commotion erupted in the house once again, with IPC MP Vilho Ihemba saying he had called for a division but did not expect members who supported the bill to return to the house after the Speaker rang the bell.

“I expected the doors to be closed immediately after I moved the motion. The bell rang, but enough time was generously allowed for reinforcements to arrive.”

The Speaker proceeded to call for a division, as the Minister had already given his response, after which members of the opposition staged a walkout.

However, the House did not have the required quorum to approve the Bill.

The Bill provides for the establishment of an upstream petroleum unit under the Office of the Presidency to oversee all oil-related matters in the country.