Housing Upstream Petroleum Unit in Presidency makes oil and gas a top national priority – Shilunga

Presidential adviser and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU), Kornelia Shilunga, says the decision to house the specialised unit within the Presidency is a strategic move to ensure the oil and gas sector remains a top national priority.

Speaking at a media training workshop on upstream oil and gas reporting held in Windhoek on Friday, Shilunga said the discovery of hydrocarbons represents a transformative moment in Namibia’s history, with significant economic, social and geopolitical implications.

She said because the upstream petroleum sector intersects with various offices, ministries and agencies, including energy, environment, finance and labour, placing the UPU in the Presidency allows for central coordination and reduces policy fragmentation across government.

“This decision is both deliberate and strategic, grounded in several key considerations as outlined by our Head of State, Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during her recent State of the Nation Address,” Shilunga said.

She added that the placement provides the institutional authority required for timely decision-making in a competitive global energy environment and ensures a direct line of oversight to enhance public confidence.

Echoing these sentiments, Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) chief executive Nillian Mulemi said the training was timely and necessary given the rapid transformation of Namibia’s energy landscape. She noted that petroleum revenues in producer countries can at times exceed 70% of state revenues, making accurate reporting a matter of national importance.

“Inaccurate or sensational reporting can create misinformation, distort expectations and undermine trust,” Mulemi cautioned, adding that journalists serve as an essential bridge between policy, industry and the public.

Shilunga further urged the media to help manage public expectations regarding the timelines of the industry to foster a realistic appreciation of opportunities and risks.

“Oil and gas development is a long-term process. Discoveries do not automatically translate into immediate revenues. There are stages, from exploration to appraisal, development and production. Each requires time, investment and careful planning,” she said.

The one-day training session featured technical input from Isabel Ordonez, Senior Global Advisor for Africa at Chevron.

The initiative aimed to demystify technical concepts and align with the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, which prioritises skills development for Namibians. – Nampa

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