Neville Andre, Governor of the Erongo Region has emphasised that progress in the oil and gas sector without protection is an illusion and further rallied industry leaders, government officials, and workers to prioritize health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards as Namibia positions itself as a global energy hub.
Speaking to a diverse audience at the Erongo Offshore Safety Conference 2025 on May Day last week, which included representatives from the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers, Andre framed safety as the “oxygen of sustainable progress” in the high-stakes oil and gas sector. He underscored the irreversible consequences of lapses, citing historical tragedies like the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, which claimed 167 lives and reshaped global safety protocols. “A single incident can erase years of trust, destroy ecosystems, and derail our nation’s rise,” he warned, urging stakeholders to transform rhetoric into actionable results.
The Governor outlined a five-pillar strategy to embed safety into the industry’s DNA. First, he stressed rigorous adherence to Namibia’s Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1991, which mandates environmental impact assessments, pollution accountability, and financial safeguards for decommissioning. However, he cautioned that laws alone are insufficient without robust enforcement. Collaboration with institutions like the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), and global bodies such as the International Labor Organization is critical to eliminating shortcuts.
Technology emerged as a cornerstone of Andre’s vision. He championed drones, artificial intelligence, and real-time data analytics as “guardians” capable of predicting hazards and preventing errors. “Invest in tools that don’t just meet standards—set them,” he urged operators, linking innovation to long-term viability.
On a day honouring workers globally, Andre emphasized the human element. He called for comprehensive training, regular drills, and a “stop-work culture” empowering employees to halt unsafe operations. “Every worker’s right to a safe workplace is non-negotiable,” he declared, highlighting Shell’s “Goal Zero” initiative—launched in 2007—which drastically reduced incidents through principles like learner mindsets and psychological safety.
Environmental stewardship formed the fourth pillar, with Andre reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to international agreements such as the Abidjan Convention and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “Sustainability isn’t a side project—it’s the core of offshore operations,” he stated, vowing zero tolerance for spills or emissions harming Namibia’s coasts and communities.
Finally, Andre underscored the importance of collaboration, urging industry players to engage coastal communities as partners. “Their vigilance is our early-warning system,” he said, advocating transparency and localized solutions. He challenged stakeholders to treat the Petroleum Act as a “starting line, not a finish line,” pushing for higher benchmarks.
The Governor issued a clarion call to action: industry must lead with accountability, government must balance oversight with agility, academia must pioneer African-centric innovations, and every worker must become a “safety ambassador.” “Your voice is your power—use it,” he implored, framing safety as a collective responsibility.
Andre closed by linking Namibia’s aspirations to its people. “As we celebrate workers today, let’s remember: Their courage fuels this industry. Our duty is to ensure they return home safely, every single day,” he said, describing regulations and conventions as a “covenant with the future.”
The conference, organized by the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers, concluded with a resolve to make May 1, 2025, a milestone in redefining offshore safety. In a region poised to become Namibia’s energy heartbeat, Andre’s message resonated clearly: Zero Harm must transcend slogans and become an indelible part of the industry’s identity.