The Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Frans Kapofi, has proposed tabling the Petroleum Amendment Bill, aimed at establishing an upstream petroleum unit as well as introducing measures to strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability.

However, opportunity was denied by members of the house, with others stating that the bill is not urgent and should not be rushed, as it deals with the transfer of power. 

Motivating the amendment bill in the National Assembly, the minister said the establishment of the Upstream Petroleum Unit will ensure that technical, regulatory and compliance functions are brought under a single professional institution.

The unit will report under the Office of the President, headed by a Director General and a Deputy Director General.

"Under this new framework, the Director General becomes the principal regulator responsible for licensing, compliance, and oversight of petroleum activities, while the Deputy Director General manages the daily technical functions, supervises staff and inspectors, and ensures that operations conform to national standards and international laws."

House members said the bill is not urgent and should not be rushed, adding that the minister has arranged to change the order paper.

The House agreed that the tabling of the bill be postponed to February next year.