Namibia’s Energy Minister confirmed the removal of Maggy Shino as ​the country’s Petroleum Commissioner, ending months ‌of speculation but did not provide the reasons for her demotion, a statement ​from the Minister’s office said.

Shino, ​who helped shape Namibia’s oil and ⁠gas regulatory framework as the ​southern African country works towards its first ​oil production by 2030, was relieved of her duties effective June 2.

She has been ​replaced in an acting capacity by ​Aune Amutenya, who previously worked as a ‌deputy ⁠director of petroleum exploration and production in the Ministry.
Shino remains a Director in the upstream petroleum unit, a newly ​created unit ​in ⁠the office of the President.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is pushing ​for wide-ranging changes to energy ​regulations ⁠that would give statutory recognition to the upstream unit and also do ⁠away ​with the position of ​petroleum commissioner, among other amendments.

–Reuters–