Namibia places Upstream Petroleum Unit in Presidency to prioritize oil and gas sector
via The Namibian2 min read
Kornelia Shilunga, presidential adviser and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit UPU, stated that housing the UPU within the Presidency is a strategic decision to ensure the oil and gas sector remains a top national priority for Namibia. Speaking at a media training workshop in Windhoek, Shilunga highlighted that hydrocarbon discoveries represent a transformative moment for Namibia with significant economic, social, and geopolitical implications. She explained that placing the UPU in the Presidency allows for central coordination and reduces policy fragmentation across government, given the sector's intersection with various ministries and agencies. This decision, outlined by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, provides institutional authority for timely decision-making in a competitive global energy environment and enhances public confidence. Nillian Mulemi, chief executive of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund Petrofund, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, noting that petroleum revenues can sometimes exceed 70% of state revenues in producer countries. Mulemi cautioned that inaccurate reporting can create misinformation and undermine trust, stressing the media's role as a bridge between policy, industry, and the public. Shilunga urged the media to help manage public expectations regarding industry timelines, explaining that oil and gas development is a long-term process with stages from exploration to production, each requiring time, investment, and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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