The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports claiming it is in talks with investors to establish a second private refinery in the state.
Speaking through a statement on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, described the report as false and misleading, stressing that he neither granted an interview nor made any comments relating to refinery development or petroleum investments.
Olumide clarified that the statutory responsibilities of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development are strictly limited to land-use planning and development control.
These include zoning regulations, layout approvals, and the processing of planning and development permits in line with approved master plans and existing laws.
He explained that while large-scale infrastructure projects such as refineries are subject to planning approvals and zoning compliance, matters relating to investment promotion, project initiation, or sector-specific policy decisions fall outside the ministry’s mandate.
The commissioner condemned the attribution of statements on refinery investment discussions to him, describing it as inaccurate, unprofessional, and capable of misleading the public.
He urged media organisations to uphold professionalism by ensuring proper verification of government-related information.
Olumide further advised members of the public to disregard the report, noting that all official communications from the ministry would continue to be released only through recognised and authorised government channels.