The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports claiming that the state is set to host a second private refinery following alleged discussions with new investors.

The clarification was issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who said he was wrongly credited with comments suggesting that such plans were underway. According to the state government, the Commissioner neither granted an interview nor made any public statement concerning refinery development, petroleum investments or investor negotiations.

In a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, the government explained that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has a clearly defined mandate centred on land-use planning and control. This includes zoning regulations, layout approvals and the processing of development permits in line with approved master plans and existing planning laws.

The Commissioner noted that while large infrastructure projects such as refineries are subject to planning approvals and zoning compliance, matters relating to investment promotion, project initiation and sector-specific policy decisions fall outside the responsibilities of the Ministry.

Describing the report attributing refinery investment talks to him as inaccurate and misleading, Olumide urged media organisations to adhere strictly to professional standards by verifying information before publication.

He also advised the public to disregard the report, assuring that all official communications from the Ministry would continue to be released only through recognised and authorised government channels.