Centralising Oil and Gas: President NNN’s Patriotic Move

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to place the newly emerging oil and gas industry directly under the Office of the President is strategic.

This was done to create efficiency and ensure that the development of this sector aligns with national interests.

The president’s decision to directly monitor oil and gas resources displays her patriotic commitment towards Namibia’s prosperity.

Unlike many leaders who distance themselves from resource management, creating room for corruption, her direct oversight ensures accountability at the highest level.

With her well-documented incorruptible record and dedication to transparency, the president has positioned herself as the guardian of Namibia’s most valuable assets.

Furthermore, our natural resources belong to all Namibians, present and future generations.

By requiring those responsible to report directly to her office, Nandi-Ndaitwah eliminates bureaucratic inefficiencies and opportunities for mismanagement that have plagued resource-rich nations across the African continent.

MARKET AND INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

The proximity of the lucrative oil and gas resources to State House offers a stable atmosphere to do business that will attract global oil and gas companies to invest in Namibia. Having clear lines of reporting, accountability and presidential monitoring, potential investors are guaranteed that their investments and assets are in capable hands and protected against bureaucratic interference or corruption.

The streamlined system of government reduces regulatory risks. Namibia will be competitive in attracting foreign direct investment.

The guarantee of high-level government commitment creates a safe haven for capital investment needed for the development of Namibia’s offshore resources.

The uncommon mix of oil and gas and presidential integrity that Namibia currently provides is what investors value the most and it exists nowhere in the Global South.

AVOIDING THE RESOURCE CURSE

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s strategic reforms are a deliberate effort to break away from the ‘resource curse’ that has haunted many African nations for years.

In an era where corruption scandals taint African governments on a routine basis, having oil and gas directly under her office will ensure that these valuable resources work in the interests of our people, open revenue streams to government, fair distribution of gains, and planned investment of proceeds from resources.

ECONOMIC REVOLUTION

The restructuring is the foundation of a broader vision to transform the economy of Namibia. Nandi-Ndaitwah aims to use energy resources as a catalyst for broader development, opening the door to industrialisation, jobs, and improved living standards for our people.

The appointment of competent individuals to key ministries signals the administration’s commitment to blending fresh perspectives with genuine leadership of emancipation.

While the details of this broader transformation deserve separate analysis, the president’s resource governance model creates the foundation upon which Namibia’s prosperity will be built.

As Namibia stands at the threshold of potentially becoming the next Dubai under the leadership of Nandi-Ndaitwah, this centralisation of energy governance may prove to be the defining move that makes Namibia’s resources a blessing rather than a curse.

• Edward Shati is a Chevening scholar at the University of Aberdeen, and is currently pursuing his master’s degree of science in energy economics and law. This article represents his own opinions.