Amman, June 14 (Petra) – The Cabinet approved the extension of the concession agreement granted to the National Petroleum Company for oil and gas exploration and production in the Risha Gas Field for an additional 15 years, extending its validity until 2061.

The decision is part of efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency in locally produced natural gas, diversify energy sources and implement one of the key projects included in the second Executive Programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision (2026–2029).

The move aims to support the development of an integrated and sustainable energy economy that attracts investment and promotes economic growth.

The extension was approved based on a recommendation by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to enable the company to complete its comprehensive development plans.

Under its production strategy, the National Petroleum Company aims to increase output from the Risha Gas Field to 418 million standard cubic feet per day by 2030 and further raise production to 810 million standard cubic feet per day by 2035.

The company is financing the development of gas processing facilities and pipeline infrastructure through its own resources to ensure the efficient delivery of natural gas to consumers and strengthen long-term national energy security.

In a related development, the company has begun taking the necessary logistical steps to establish natural gas processing units and launch construction of a strategic pipeline linking the Risha Gas Field to the Arab Gas Pipeline.

The project is expected to transport locally produced gas to consumption centres across the Kingdom and become operational by 2029.

The government is providing financial support to help the company implement its production expansion plans, allocating a total of JD87 million over three years. This includes JD35 million this year, a similar amount in 2027 and JD17 million in 2028.

As part of public sector modernisation efforts, the Cabinet approved the first phase of technical competency frameworks covering a range of common government positions, including human resources, digital transformation, information management and data analysis, cybersecurity, legal affairs, procurement, inventory management, media and communication, service provision, administrative affairs and financial affairs.

The competency frameworks are intended to establish unified and transparent standards for public sector positions, enhance institutional efficiency, improve service delivery and strengthen public trust in government institutions.

The government will adopt a competency-based approach focused on employees' knowledge, skills and behaviours rather than traditional job titles and qualifications.

For the first time, the framework establishes a unified understanding of these occupations, which account for approximately 40 per cent of public sector jobs, by defining the competencies required for recruitment, development and performance evaluation according to clear and measurable standards.

The frameworks are intended to support professional development, performance management and training programmes, enabling government institutions to invest more effectively in human capital.

The Cabinet directed all government entities to adopt the framework in their human resources processes and tasked the Civil Service and Public Administration Authority with monitoring implementation, providing technical support and updating the frameworks when necessary.

Future steps include developing assessment tools capable of measuring these competencies and providing the framework to the Jordanian Academy of Public Administration to design cumulative training programs linked to career development pathways.

As part of efforts to modernise government institutions and improve organisational structures, the Cabinet approved the justifications for the draft Administrative Organisation Bylaw of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority for 2026 and referred it to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau to complete the required legislative procedures.

The draft bylaw seeks to strengthen the Authority's organisational and administrative structure, enhance institutional efficiency, reinforce governance, transparency and accountability and ensure the optimal use of human, financial and technological resources through a clearer distribution of responsibilities.

The proposed reforms are intended to improve administrative effectiveness in serving Petra, one of Jordan's most important tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As a major contributor to the national economy and a key destination for visitors and investors, Petra requires a modern and flexible administrative system capable of supporting sustainable tourism development and improving visitor services.

The bylaw is expected to strengthen coordination among the Authority's organisational units, improve institutional performance, enhance service delivery and boost Petra's competitiveness as a global tourism destination.

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Administrative Organisation Bylaw of the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) for 2026 to align its organisational structure with the Social Development Law of 2024 and the public sector modernisation roadmap.

The amendments include restructuring the ministry by establishing specialised departments focused on care, protection, institutional support, governorate affairs and development, in addition to directorates designed to enhance the sustainability of funding and governance for associations.

The revised structure establishes an Inspection and Compliance Unit to strengthen the independence of oversight over care homes and licensed entities, as well as dedicated units for information management, data analysis and cybersecurity to support digital transformation and improve decision-making.

The government stated that implementation of the new structure will not result in additional financial burdens on the state budget, as staffing requirements will be met through internal restructuring and redeployment of existing personnel.

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Administrative Organisation Bylaw of the Income and Sales Tax Department for 2026.

The amendments aim to align the department's organisational structure with international best practices in planning, analysis and risk management in tax administration, while keeping pace with technological developments and digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency.

To support economic activity and improve services, the Cabinet approved the justifications for amendments to the Amman Building and Zoning Bylaw for 2026 and referred the draft legislation to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for final review.

The proposed amendments are designed to create a more supportive environment for economic activity and stimulate growth in the construction sector in Amman.

They respond to recommendations submitted by partner organisations through consultation sessions, including the Housing Investors Association, the Association of Engineering Offices and the Jordan Engineers Association.

Discussions focused on extending procedural deadlines and facilitating licensing and service-related procedures for businesses and people.

In the education sector, the Cabinet approved the draft Education Tax budget for the years 2026–2028, estimated at approximately JD20 million.

The revenues generated from the tax, which is collected through the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and other municipalities in accordance with the law, will be allocated to school construction, infrastructure development and maintenance projects.

The budget is approved annually by the Cabinet and provides an important source of funding for the Ministry of Education's efforts to expand and maintain educational facilities across the Kingdom.

//Petra// AK