A controversial Namibian oil bill passed its second reading in parliament after intense public, opposition and analyst criticism. Critics say the bill would strip key oversight powers and concentrate authority over the energy sector in the president’s office. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has promoted the measure as the cornerstone of her regulatory reform agenda, and the presidency have dismissed those concerns, saying the bill would establish a new regulator under the presidential offi

A controversial Namibian oil bill passed its second reading in parliament after intense public, opposition and analyst criticism. Critics say the bill would strip key oversight powers and concentrate authority over the energy sector in the president’s office. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has promoted the measure as the cornerstone of her regulatory reform agenda, and the presidency have dismissed those concerns, saying the bill would establish a new regulator under the presidential office to speed decision-making and contains necessary checks.