Lagos debunks new private refinery claims
Lagos State Government LASG
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, has issued a firm rebuttal against a misleading media report that falsely attributed to him claims of a “second private refinery” for Lagos State.
Olumide in a statement on Sunday by Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, clarified that he did not make such comments and did not at any time grant an interview or issue a statement relating to refinery development, petroleum investments, or investor negotiations.
The erroneous report credited him with suggesting “confirmed talks with new investors” for the project, which he categorically denied.
Olumide outlined the ministry’s precise role, underlining that its statutory mandate involved land-use planning and control, including zoning regulations, layout approvals, and the processing of physical planning and development permits for projects, in line with approved master plans and extant planning laws.
He noted that while major projects like refineries require planning approvals, decisions on investment promotion, project initiation, or sector-specific policy pronouncements fell outside the Ministry’s scope of responsibility.
Labeling the false attribution as inaccurate, misleading, and unprofessional, the Commissioner urged media outlets to prioritise accuracy and proper verification when reporting on government activities.
He called on the public to disregard the report, assuring that all official updates from the ministry would come through recognised and authorised channels.
