Otjozondjupa governor John ||Khamuseb has urged the Namibian government to secure a 51% controlling stake in the country's oil resources. He made the call at the third National Council and Regional Councils Consultative Conference in the Otjozondjupa region. ||Khamuseb argued that a proposed 15% share is not enough, citing past ownership mistakes such as the "10% mistake" at Rössing Uranium. He emphasized that Namibia's oil resources should be treated as a national asset.
||Khamuseb said that investors should be allowed to retain a minority share in the country's petroleum resources. He called on the National Council to approve the petroleum bill and urged policymakers to strengthen provisions on state participation and ownership. The governor suggested that Namibia should use the opportunity to develop a clear blueprint that ensures the government secures controlling interests in strategic natural resources.
According to ||Khamuseb, Namibians should retain a permanent 30% to 40% stake in companies exploring the country's minerals. He argued that some exclusive prospecting licences (EPLs) are being sold for very little. The governor also called for reforms to land acquisition and mineral exploration, including ceilings on willing-seller, willing-buyer transactions and a review of EPLs.
Otjozondjupa Regional Council chairperson Paulus Nekundi said that the consultations provided an opportunity to address "bread-and-butter" issues affecting communities. He emphasized that service delivery remains central to the conference. Nekundi argued that decentralisation would only work if resources were transferred alongside functions.
Nekundi said that mineral ownership should remain central to discussions, arguing that Namibia's resources should not be viewed only through the jobs they create. He emphasized that the needs of the majority should remain at the centre of national decision-making rather than the interests of individuals. The chairperson also noted that the cost of democracy can prevent some stakeholders from participating in public hearings.
The conference aims to produce practical solutions that can be implemented in the regions and translate into tangible improvements in people's lives. ||Khamuseb emphasized that successful national development required all stakeholders to work together, with stronger information sharing between national, regional and local structures.
The Otjozondjupa governor's call for a controlling stake in Namibia's oil resources comes as the country seeks to develop its petroleum industry. The government's proposed 15% share has been met with concerns that it may not be enough to ensure that Namibians benefit from the country's natural resources.
Key points
- Otjozondjupa governor John ||Khamuseb urges government to secure 51% controlling stake in Namibia's oil resources
- ||Khamuseb cites past ownership mistakes, such as the "10% mistake" at Rössing Uranium
- Conference aims to produce practical solutions for regional development and service delivery
