Namibia President: Dangote Namibia Terminal Environmental Approval Still Required

• President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the launch of the N$41-billion Aliko Dangote fuel terminal in Walvis Bay.
• Her presence was an expression of government support for strategic investment and national development.
• The Office of the President clarified that her attendance did not constitute environmental approval for the project.
• The Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project still requires environmental assessment, public consultation, and regulatory approvals.
• Compliance with Namibia's environmental regulations is mandatory, irrespective of high-level political endorsements.

Lawyers advising on large-scale infrastructure projects in Namibia must ensure that all statutory environmental impact assessments and public consultation processes are rigorously followed, irrespective of high-level political endorsements, as such support does not bypass regulatory requirements and failure to comply could lead to project delays or legal challenges.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah recently participated in the launch event for the N$41-billion Aliko Dangote fuel terminal, a significant infrastructure initiative known as the Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project. This event, held at Farm 58 in Walvis Bay, marked a public display of support for the substantial investment.

The government's intention behind President Nandi-Ndaitwah's attendance at the launch was to signal its backing for strategic investments that could contribute to Namibia's national development. This high-profile endorsement underscores the perceived economic importance of the Aliko Dangote fuel terminal to the region and the nation's broader development goals.

Despite the presidential presence at the launch, the Office of the President issued a clarification on Sunday, emphasizing that President Nandi-Ndaitwah's attendance did not signify environmental approval for the project. The Office explicitly stated that the Dangote Namibia terminal environmental approval process remains outstanding.

Crucially, the project is still mandated to undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment, engage in public consultation, and secure all necessary regulatory approvals. These steps are fundamental requirements under Namibia's legal framework for large-scale developments, ensuring that potential environmental impacts are thoroughly evaluated and community input is considered.

The clarification from the Office of the President serves as a vital reminder that political support, even at the highest levels, does not bypass statutory environmental compliance. The Aliko Dangote fuel terminal project, like all major developments in Namibia, must adhere strictly to the Environmental Management Act Namibia compliance standards.

Lawyers advising on large-scale infrastructure projects in Namibia must ensure that all statutory environmental impact assessments and public consultation processes are rigorously followed, irrespective of high-level political endorsements, as such support does not bypass regulatory requirements and failure to comply could lead to project delays or legal challenges. The ongoing requirement for a thorough Namibia environmental assessment process highlights the country's commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Lawyers advising on large-scale infrastructure projects in Namibia must ensure that all statutory environmental impact assessments and public consultation processes are rigorously followed, irrespective of high-level political endorsements, as such support does not bypass regulatory requirements and failure to comply could lead to project delays or legal challenges.

Source: Original reporting via The Namibian