First gentleman defends Presidency’s oil and gas oversight

First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has defended the placement of oil and gas projects directly under the office of president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

In a recent report by OneAfrica TV, Ndaitwah said the decision to place the critical portfolio within the Presidency was to safeguard it from corruption.

Speaking at a student workshop held at Triumphant College in Windhoek, Ndaitwah said the oil and gas sector is one that is easily corruptible.

“In that field, it is where most people can simply be corrupted. Because it’s so lucrative … they want the oil and gas to be placed somewhere there, like all other ministries and all other departments,” said Ndaitwah.

The decision has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether Nandi-Ndaitwah will have time to oversee the efficient running of the oil and gas industries.