By Kaundjire Humbu
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has rejected criticism over its support for the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, insisting that backing the legislation does not give the Executive a blank cheque for corruption, nepotism or abuse of power.
NEFF deputy president and Member of Parliament Longinus Kalimbo Iipumbu said the party’s parliamentary decisions are guided by its manifesto and promises to voters, not by pressure to follow other opposition parties.
“Every political party comes to Parliament with its own manifesto, political convictions and promises to the Namibian people. We cannot abandon those commitments simply because another opposition party has adopted a different position on a particular Bill,” Iipumbu said.
The National Assembly approved the Bill at second reading on 20 October 2026, with 50 members voting in favour and none against. An earlier attempt to vote was disrupted by an opposition walkout that left the House without the required quorum.
The Bill proposes establishing an Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President and transferring certain petroleum-related powers from the minister responsible for the sector and the Petroleum Commissioner to the Presidency and the new unit.
The proposed changes have raised concerns about the concentration of authority, institutional independence, accountability and potential political interference. NEFF acknowledged the need for scrutiny but rejected claims that its support amounted to unconditional backing for the Executive.
“Our support for the Bill should not be misunderstood as a blank cheque to the Executive. It is not support for corruption, secrecy or the abuse of presidential powers, and it does not relieve us of our responsibility to scrutinise government,” Iipumbu said.
He warned that no public official should use the legislation as cover for corruption, nepotism or impunity.
“No individual, regardless of their position, should be above accountability. Supporting this Bill does not give anyone permission to abuse public office or use public resources for personal benefit,” he said.
For NEFF, the central issue is whether Namibia’s petroleum resources will deliver meaningful benefits to ordinary citizens. The party said the industry must create employment, develop local skills and expand Namibian participation and economic ownership.
“For decades, Namibians have been told that our natural resources will bring prosperity, yet unemployment, inequality and poverty remain serious challenges. We must ask who controls these resources, who benefits from them and what the Namibian majority will ultimately receive,” Iipumbu said.
He cautioned against allowing petroleum wealth to benefit only a privileged few while most Namibians remain excluded from the opportunities it creates.
“The petroleum industry must create opportunities for Namibians, not simply open another door for foreign capital and a privileged few. Our people must benefit through employment, skills development, local participation and meaningful economic ownership,” he said.
NEFF also rejected the expectation that opposition parties must automatically oppose government legislation. Iipumbu said parties must exercise independent judgment rather than follow one another for the sake of political alignment.
“We will not oppose legislation simply because other opposition parties oppose it, and we will not support legislation merely because the government introduces it. Every Bill must stand on its own merits,” he said.
The party said it would continue demanding transparency in petroleum licensing, proper management of revenues and effective parliamentary oversight. It maintained that the proposed framework must serve the public interest and ensure that Namibians benefit from their natural wealth.
“Our vote was not a vote for individuals. It was a vote on legislation and on what we believe Namibia must do to position itself for the petroleum economy,” Iipumbu said.
He said NEFF would stand by its decision while holding government accountable for how the country’s resources are managed.
“Political freedom without economic freedom remains incomplete. If these powers are abused, public resources are mismanaged or Namibians are excluded from the benefits of their own wealth, we will not abandon our responsibility to speak out,” he said.
