TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN TANZANIA'S OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY: LAW AND PRACTICE

摘要

At this juncture it may be concluded that transparency and accountability are essential elements for sustainable development and use of revenue obtained from oil and oil and gas activities. The present system of reinforcing transparency and accountability in Tanzania's oil and gas industry is weak. Lack of the law which reinforces accountability of government officials and transparency contributes to this problem and thus leads into abuse of public offices. Although other institutions apart from the government have role to play in promoting transparency and accountability, the government however remains with important role to play. The duty of the government is to adopt and enforce accountability and transparency standards. The duty of the government also is to ensure that the public is well informed and that the public is aware of the activities and responsibilities of oil and gas corporations to the State and its citizens, government revenues from these resources and how the funds are distributed. Thus, in order to have a sound oil and gas industry which will benefit the entire community of Tanzania it is essential to have in place effective standards of transparency and accountability. The Government should not rush to enter into new petroleum development agreements without first enacting relevant law to implement the already promulgated the Natural Gas Policy and the Local Content Policy.