Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, has raised objections to a recent media report that inaccurately attributed statements to him, suggesting that the state is on track to host a second private refinery following discussions with potential investors.
The commissioner spoke through Mukaila Sanusi, the ministry’s Director Public Affairs on Sunday, clarifying 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 commissioner explained that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development’s statutory mandate is clearly defined, focusing on infrastructure development through meticulous land-use planning and control. This includes enforcing zoning regulations, approving layouts, and processing permits for physical development projects, all in strict adherence to approved master plans and existing planning laws.
Dr Olumide emphasised that while the ministry oversees planning approvals and zoning compliance for major projects like refineries, it doesn’t handle investment promotion, project initiation, or policy decisions specific to sectors like petroleum, those fall outside its scope.
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.
