The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, has raised concerns over a report by a section of the media in which he was wrongly credited with statements suggesting that Lagos State was set for a second private refinery following confirmed talks with new investors.

In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, the Commissioner 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.

He explained: “The statutory mandate of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, especially in relation to infrastructure development, is clear and unambiguous, as it involves 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.

“While any major infrastructure project, including a refinery, is subject to planning approval and zoning compliance, decisions on investment promotion, project initiation, or sector-specific policy pronouncements fall outside the Ministry’s scope of responsibility.”

The Commissioner described the attribution of statements on refinery investment discussions to him as inaccurate, misleading, and unprofessional, and called on media organisations to uphold accuracy and proper verification when reporting on government activities.

He urged members of the public to disregard the report, noting that all official communications from the Ministry would continue to be issued through recognised and authorised channels. (PUNCH)

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