LPM Raises Governance Concerns Over Proposed Petroleum Bill

In this interview, Landless People’s Movement (LPM) national spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa discussed concerns raised by party leader Bernadus Swartbooi regarding Namibia’s proposed petroleum bill, which seeks to place the oil and gas sector under the Office of the President. Simataa highlighted that centralizing control within the presidency weakens decentralization, reduces public oversight, and risks exposing the country to the “oil curse” through limited executive accountability. He emphasized the importance of debating these institutional flaws in Parliament before the bill is enacted to ensure robust checks and balances are put in place.