(5) The National Petroleum and Gas Council shall have the following functions: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) formulate policies and guidelines in relation to the development and management of the petroleum and gas sector; monitor and assess the implementation of the policies mentioned in (a) above by the relevant implementing institutions to ensure that they work in the best interest of the people of South Sudan and to determine their impact on the communities in the areas of petroleum or gas development; approve strategies and programs for the petroleum and gas sector; approve all oil contracts for the exploration and development of oil and ensure that they are consistent with its principles, policies and guidelines; review environmental and social impact of existing and future oil developments; develop its internal regulations and procedures; and perform any other function or duty as may be prescribed by law. Ministry in Charge of Petroleum and Gas 174. (1) The Ministry in charge of petroleum and gas shall be the policy implementing body of the Government with respect to petroleum affairs. It shall act in accordance with this Constitution and the law. (2) The functions of the Ministry shall include: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) negotiating all oil contracts for the exploration and development of oil, and ensuring that they are consistent with its principles, policies and guidelines; initiating legislation, rules, and regulations regarding the petroleum and gas sector; managing the relations of the Government with petroleum and gas companies operating in South Sudan; formulating strategies and programmes for the development and management of the petroleum and gas sector; developing the necessary technical cadres for the petroleum and gas sector; in consultation with affected communities, ensuring that all petroleum and gas projects be subjected to environmental and social impact assessment; and signing contracts on behalf of the Government upon the approval of the National Petroleum Council. National Petroleum and Gas Corporation 175. There shall be established a national petroleum and gas corporation which shall participate in the upstream, midstream and downstream activities of the petroleum and gas sectors on behalf of the National Government. Its structure, management, and functions shall be determined by law. 65