Leila Benali: Reforming ONHYM is Key to Ending Conflicts of Interest and Monopolies in the Energy and Mining Sectors
The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, affirmed that the proposed law No. 56.24, which aims to transform the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) into a joint-stock company, represents an important reform initiative intended to better reposition the office within the national economy and enhance its role in the value chain of its activities.
During a legislative session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, dedicated to discussing and voting on the draft law, Benali highlighted the particular importance of this project, especially after hearing the presentation made by the President of the Court of Accounts, which provided data and assessments regarding the sector situation and the impact of the current institutional framework on several projects.
The minister pointed out that the natural gas sector and its related infrastructure have faced delays in implementing various projects, noting that some of the reasons for this include concerns and multiple questions related to the institutional framework. This was emphasized in the presentation made by the President of the Court of Accounts, who identified risks associated with perceptions and understandings, as well as issues surrounding data leaks and the intimidation or threats directed at certain private and public actors in the energy and mining sectors.
She added that these actors express concerns over conflicts of interest, the blending of interests, and the lack of competitive neutrality among some public institutions, along with fears of monopolies that could ultimately lead to unreasonable prices for Moroccans and the national economic framework. This situation could hinder access to modern and clean technologies and obstruct the path toward energy transition.
In this context, Leila Benali recalled the royal speech on the occasion of the Throne Day on July 29, 2020, in which His Majesty called for the urgent launch of deep reforms in the public sector and the rectification of structural imbalances affecting public institutions and enterprises.
She emphasized that the draft law presented to the House of Representatives, concerning the transformation of ONHYM into a joint-stock company, aligns with this royal vision and aims to better reposition the office within the national economy, enhancing its role in the value chain assigned to it through improved governance and increased performance, enabling it to fulfill its role as a driver of social and economic development at the national level.
The government official stressed that the approval of this project simultaneously represents a vote in favor of reasonable energy and mining prices for Moroccans and the national economic framework, as well as a vote against unemployment, particularly in economic sectors struggling to access competitive energy, including natural gas. She noted that the absence of effective solutions in this area could result in job losses and social repercussions affecting families.
Benali also stressed that this project constitutes a vote against conflicts of interest and monopolies, and a vote in favor of energy sovereignty and mineral sovereignty for the kingdom, enhancing the ability of the Moroccan state to have effective mechanisms for intervention in this field.
