2017-07-03

2017-07-07

2017-07-15

PREAMBLE WHEREAS, by virtue of Article 27 of the Constitution the protection of natural wealth and resources in the United Republic is charged on the People and the Government the control of which is entrusted to the President; AND WHEREAS, by virtue of Article 9(c) and (i) of the Constitution requires all activities of the Government to be conducted in such a manner as to ensure that the national wealth and heritage are harnessed, preserved and applied for the common good and to prevent exploitation and that the use of the national wealth and heritage places emphasis on the development of the People and the United Republic and in particular, geared towards the eradication of poverty, ignorance and diseases; AND WHEREAS, the Government has resolved to fairly and equitably undertake protracted measures intended to ensure that the natural wealth and resources of the United Republic are used for the greatest benefit and welfare of the People and the United Republic by ensuring that all arrangements or agreements by the Government protect interests of the People and the United Republic; AND WHEREAS, pursuant to International Law, the United Republic has permanent sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting and managing its Natural Resources. AND RECOGNISING, that the United Republic is a signatory to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1803(XVII) of 14th December, 1962 and subscribes to the stipulations therein; AND WHEREAS, the United Republic being a sovereign state has permanent sovereignty over all natural wealth and resources thence imposing on the Government the responsibility of ensuring that the interests of the People and the United Republic are paramount and protected in any arrangement or agreement which the Government makes or enters in respect of such natural wealth and resources; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to make comprehensive statutory provisions that require all arrangements or agreements on natural wealth and natural resources to be tabled for review by the National Assembly for purposes of ensuring that any unconscionable terms therein is rectified or expunged;