Committee on Petroleum R TNLA; Republic of South Sudan

On October 10th, 2025, the R-TNLA's Standing Specialised Committee on Petroleum proactively dispatched a delegation to the Tharjiath Oil Field. This delegation, led by Hon. Eng. James Rab Golong, included representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum as well as John Luth Majock, the Community Development and Corporate Affairs Manager for the Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC).

The visit aims to gain a thorough and direct understanding of the pressing oil and gas issues impacting the local communities. Following their assessment, the delegation will compile a comprehensive report to be presented to the Committee for decisive action. It is crucial to note that the Committee will be visiting all the oil fields in the country to streamline its working plans.

Upon arrival, the delegation received an exceptionally warm and cordial welcome from the SPOC field management, local authorities, and the broader community, underscoring the importance of stakeholder engagement in addressing these critical issues.

August 1st, 2025

The R-TNLA Standing Specialised Committee on Petroleum, under the decisive leadership of Hon. Wait John Dak, convened with delegations from the Ministry of Petroleum, led by Undersecretary Hon. Eng. Deng Lual, and the Nile Petroleum Corporation (NilePet), headed by Managing Director Eng. Ayuel Ngor Kacgor.

The discussion was elaborate and focused on two critical issues:

1) A formal complaint from the Maluth Youth Association, titled "Condemnation of Undermining Actions by the Managing Director of NilePet and the Ministry of Petroleum towards the Maluth Community."
2) A grievance filed by the Workers' Trade Union of Petroleum and Mining regarding the ongoing crisis within NilePet.

Following thorough deliberation, the committee reached the following resolutions:

1) The Ministry of Petroleum and NilePet are mandated to engage directly with the Meluth Community to find an amicable resolution. It is imperative that the Maluth, as a host community for DPOC operations, is prioritised for employment opportunities, particularly in key senior roles related to Community Development and Corporate Affairs.
2) The Ministry of Petroleum and NilePet must actively engage with their respective Sub Committees to ensure effective follow-up and implementation of these directives.
3) The committee acknowledges the High-Level Committee established by His Excellency the President, aimed explicitly at restructuring and reorganising NilePet to fulfil its primary objective of effectively conducting business on behalf of the Government of South Sudan in the oil and gas sector.
4) All sub-committees are required to report back to the main Committee within 7 working days.

The R-TNLA Standing Specialised Committee on Petroleum, under the unwavering leadership of Hon. Wait John Dak, is resolute in its commitment to exerting robust oversight over the oil and gas industry, ensuring that the people of South Sudan fully benefit from these invaluable natural resources.

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Statement on the 42nd Anniversary of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)

First and foremost, I pay tribute and salute our leader, and the only surving founding member of our liberation movement, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic and Commader of Chief SSPDF and Supreme Commander of all organised forces of our beloved Nation, the Republic of South Sudan.

I equally pay tribute to our fallen and wounded heroes and heroines, the orphans, windows, and widowers, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May we all be inspired by the spirit of such sacrifice to nurture our hard won independence now and for generations to come.

Today, we assemble in our respective places as groups or individuals in pride and deep reflection as we commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, a movement born from the unwavering resolve of the people of South Sudan to attain freedom, justice, and dignity.

Forty-two years ago, the SPLM emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience, uniting diverse communities in the shared pursuit of a brighter future. Our journey has been marked by sacrifices, struggles, and moments of hardship, but also by unwavering hope and the unbreakable spirit of unity.

As we look back on our history, we honor the heroes and martyrs whose sacrifices paved the way for our independence. Yet, today, we also recognize that true nationhood depends not only on freedom gained through struggle but also on our commitment to unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one people, embracing our diversity and forging a common future rooted in peace.

The path to lasting peace requires us to forgive past grievances, reconcile our differences, and build bridges of understanding and trust among ourselves. It is through genuine reconciliation that we can heal wounds, foster unity, and lay the foundation for a prosperous and stable South Sudan.

As we celebrate this important milestone, let us renew our pledge to prioritize peace and unity above all else. We must work tirelessly to foster reconciliation, uphold justice, and create an environment where every citizen feels valued and included. Only through collective effort and unwavering commitment can we realize the vision of a peaceful, united, and prosperous South Sudan.

Today, we reaffirm our dedication to the ideals of the SPLM—freedom, justice, unity, and peace. Let us move forward together, embracing forgiveness and reconciliation, to build a nation that reflects the hopes, dreams, and resilience of our people.

Long live the Sudan People's Liberation Movement!
Long live the resilient people of South Sudan!
May peace, unity, and reconciliation guide our journey

Cde. Jemma Nunu Kumba
Rt. Hon. Speaker, TNLA and
Member of the SPLM Political Bureau.

The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), Hon. Wait John Dak takes this golden opportunity to wish all the strong women of South Sudan a Happy International Women's Day.

Condolence Message:

On behalf of the Committee on Petroleum in the Revitalized Transitional
National Legislative Assembly and on my own behalf, allow me to register my deepest condolence on the tragic
misfortune that happened on 29th January 2025 after a short takeoff of the ill-fated
plane from Unity Airfield in Unity State to Juba.

I expressed my profound sorrow over the death of 20 passengers on board who
lost their precious lives during the fatal incident and comfort the families who
lost their dear ones, may Almighty God rest their souls in eternal peace. I also
wish the one who survived the tragic incident a quick recovery.
Regards

Hon. Wait John Dak
Chairperson, Standing Specialised Committee on Petroleum
R-TNLA

October 21st, 2024

Earlier today, Hon. Wait John Dak, Chairperson of the R-TNLA Committee on Petroleum, joined senior government officials in welcoming Eng. Ayuel Ngor Kacgor as the new Managing Director of Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET).

Hon. Wait congratulated Eng. Ayuel on his appointment by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit expressed the Committee's readiness to collaborate with him to effectively deliver on NILEPET's mandate.

She emphasized NILEPET's primary objective: developing technical capacity and a competent workforce to take over oil exploration and production from foreign companies. Noting past efforts' limitations, Hon. Wait encouraged Eng. Ayuel to prioritize this goal.

Hon. Wait highlighted key concerns for Eng. Ayuel's attention:

1. Reform NILEPET to meet legal and moral obligations, addressing the alarming presence of an unproductive workforce.

2. Offset accumulated liabilities.

3. Enhance revenue generation as an income-generating entity.

4. Address insolvent subsidiary service companies (only 4 out of 12 are functioning).

Hon. Wait assured continued oversight from the Committee to ensure the oil and gas sector benefits South Sudan's struggling population.

Yesterday, the 10th of October 2024, the R_TNLA Committee on Petroleum, led by Hon. Wait John Dak, held a productive meeting with the Ministry of Petroleum to discuss the utilization of the 3% transfer to the Ministry in the last fiscal year. Hon. Puot Kang Chol, the Minister of Petroleum, delivered an elaborate presentation highlighting the Ministry's achievements. He was accompanied by Hon. Dr. Chol Thon, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum.

The 3% transfer, amounting to $36,190,831.3, has been instrumental in driving various projects, including:

- Construction of Ministry Headquarters_ in Yei Road, nearing completion
- Establishment of Petroleum Testing Centres in Nimule and Renk
- Oil Fields Operations
- MOP Staff Welfare
- Airborne Projects
- MOP Foreign Missions
- Facilities Management_ in Khartoum Coordination Office and Port Sudan.
-Among other flagship projects

Hon. Puot Kang Chol expressed concerns about delays in fund transfers from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, hindering the Ministry's efficiency. The Committee urged the Ministry of Finance and Planning to expedite the release of the 3% share to ensure seamless service delivery.

In the same meeting, the Committee scrutinized the Ministry's drafted budget for the 2024/2025 financial year. After review, the Committee unanimously approved the budget, emphasizing the need to prioritize key actions.

The meeting demonstrated the Committee's commitment to transparency and effective governance in the petroleum sector.

On the 16th of July, 2024, Hon. Wait John Dak, the Chairperson of the Standing Specialised Committee on Petroleum, had the honor of attending the Swearing Ceremony of the South Sudanese Students’ Union in Uganda as an invited guest.

The event was also graced by Rt. Hon. Dr. Jemma Nunu Kimba, the Speaker of the National Assembly, who attended as the Chief Guest. In addition to this, the Charge De Affairs of the Embassy of South Sudan in Uganda, H.E Margaret A. Daniel, was also in attendance.

During the ceremony, Hon. Wait John Dak congratulated and encouraged the newly elected President H.E Natalia Namaku Jackson Jelly to remain committed to her objectives, especially in uniting South Sudanese students in Uganda. Hon. Wait also urged South Sudanese students who have completed their studies to return home and contribute to the nation-building efforts, highlighting the peaceful environment and the need for their expertise in various fields.

Furthermore, Hon. Wait pledged to support the student's leadership in her capacity as a Parliamentarian, emphasizing her commitment to working alongside and assisting the student community.

On July 15, 2024, Hon. Wait John Dak, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Petroleum, had the honor of accompanying the Rt. Hon. Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the R-TNLA, to the 13th Independence Anniversary celebration organized by the Embassy of South Sudan in the Republic of Uganda.

During the event, Hon. Wait actively engaged in various cultural dances performed by the South Sudanese community in Uganda, showcasing the rich and beautiful cultural heritage of the country.

On Monday, 8th July 2024, the R-TNLA Standing Specialized Committee on Petroleum decisively passed and endorsed its robust Work Plan for 2024-2025.

Chaired by the esteemed Hon. Wait John Dak, the Committee members engaged in thorough deliberations to gain profound insights into the Committee's concept notes.

The Work Plan is strategically designed to ensure rigorous oversight and legislation of the oil and gas industry. It will involve proactive engagement with stakeholders to enforce compliance with international best practices and ensure the responsible utilization of resources for the benefit of our civil population. Furthermore, the plan focuses on driving transparency, accountability, and innovation through comprehensive policy reforms as part of the sector's transformative agenda. Embracing activities such as reviewing the Policy and Legal Framework, conducting site visits to oil operations, implementing capacity-building initiatives, and devising resource mobilization strategies.

The Committee members unanimously acknowledged and approved the Work Plan, recognizing its significance as the guiding framework for the Committee's operations. The Chair expressed gratitude to the members for their unwavering commitment and dedication, particularly commending the selfless efforts put forth by members to come up with this blueprint.

Regards

Earlier today, I accompanied the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the national parliament Jemme Nunu Kumba to inspect our national football stadium which is going to be inaugurated by H.E the President of the Republic tomorrow.

The epic development of the national stadium amidst all these crisis is another living testimony of our resilience as people. It is an indication that together, we can do more.

I wish the Bright Stars all the best tomorrow in their inaugural match against our sisterly Sudan.

Hon. Wait John Dak