Lagos govt denies alleged plan to lure communities for petrol project

The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has debunked reports claiming the ministry is enticing residents of four communities in Ketu to accept the building of a petrol station in their area.

The Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Ministry, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Sanusi, who named the four communities as Demurin, Oba Nle- Aro, Doyin Omololu, and Irawo Osan, said the allegation was false, biased and unfounded.

He said, “Contrary to the insinuation of bias by a section of the media, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, has disclosed that the stakeholders meeting at Demurin, Oba Nle- Aro, Doyin Omololu, and Irawo Osan community was part of the routine of treating such technical proposals to ensure fairness to all sides.

“Advocacy by proponents for supposedly non-compatible proposals is a welcome development in town planning which, once received by the ministry, must be validated with the host community through dialogue.

“Advocacy has been made to the ministry by the proponents of the project on the basis that Demuren and the adjoining roads are axial roads, serving the Lagos Ikorodu road, with appreciable vehicular coverage.’’

Sanusi explained that the meeting with the community aligned with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended).

He further highlighted that the meeting was consistent with the Lagos State Government’s established approach of involving the public in decision-making, particularly regarding physical planning and governance in general.

He said that such open discussions would help to consider different perspectives and reach the best decision for the state and its residents.

Sanusi added that such dialogues had led to approvals or rejections of various facilities such as markets, cemeteries and petrol stations, among others.

He pledged the ministry’s commitment to fair and transparent procedures, including community involvement, in making decisions related to urban development projects.