(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 80