Namibia’s Energy Minister has confirmed the removal of Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino, ending months of speculation over her position as the country prepares for its first oil production.
Shino was relieved of her duties effective June 2, according to a statement from the minister’s office, which confirmed the change but did not disclose the reasons behind her removal.
She has been replaced in an acting capacity by Aune Amutenya, a former deputy director responsible for petroleum exploration and production at the energy ministry.
Shino, who played a key role in developing Namibia’s oil and gas regulatory framework, will remain as a director in the upstream petroleum unit, a newly established structure within the office of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The leadership change comes as Namibia considers major reforms to its energy regulations ahead of expected oil production by 2030.
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President Nandi-Ndaitwah is pushing for amendments that would give legal recognition to the upstream petroleum unit and remove the position of petroleum commissioner as part of a broader restructuring of the sector.
Namibia has attracted significant international interest in recent years following major offshore oil discoveries, raising expectations that the southern African country could become a new energy producer.
The government has been working to strengthen regulatory structures and prepare for the development of its petroleum resources while balancing investor confidence and national economic interests.
Shino’s tenure saw the expansion of Namibia’s petroleum governance framework as the country sought to position itself for future oil and gas production.
Authorities have not indicated whether the restructuring plans influenced the decision to remove her from the commissioner role.
