(d) not more than three
non-permanent members
representing oil producing state or states in which
petroleum development is being considered.
(3) The National Petroleum Commission shall have the
following functions:
(a) formulate public policies and guidelines in relation to
the development and management of the petroleum
sector,
(b) monitor and assess the implementation of the policies
mentioned in (a) above; to ensure that they work in the
best interests of the people of Sudan,
(c) develop strategies and programs for the petroleum
sector,
(d) negotiate and approve all oil contracts for the
exploration and development of oil in the Sudan, and
ensure that they are consistent with its principles,
policies and guidelines,
(e) develop its internal regulations and procedures.
(4) In performing the functions referred to in sub-Article (3)
above, the National Petroleum Commission shall take into
account relevant considerations, including the following:(a) the extent to which the contract provides benefits to
local communities affected by the development,
(b) the extent to which the views of the state and the
affected groups are incorporated in the proposed
contracts,
(c) if the National Petroleum Commission decides to
approve the contract, persons holding rights in land
who are aggrieved by the decision shall seek relief
through arbitration or in a court of law,
(d) if the non-permanent members of the National
Petroleum Commission representing the oil producing
state or states collectively disagree with the decision of
the National Petroleum Commission to approve the
contract related to their state/states, the National
Minister in charge of petroleum shall not sign the
contract and shall refer the matter to the Council of
States. If the Council of States rejects the objection by
two-thirds majority, the National Minister in charge of
petroleum shall sign the contract. If the Council of
States does not reject the objection by two-thirds
majority within twenty four (24) sitting days of receiving
it, the Council of States shall remit the objection within
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