Access Bank discharges untreated faecal matter into public drainage system

The Lagos State Government has moved to seal a facility belonging to Access Bank Plc following allegations of environmental violations at its Oniru, Victoria Island premises.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the action followed a whistleblower report which prompted an inspection by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office.

According to Wahab, officials discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the bank’s facility was non-functional, leading to the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system. He said the situation had caused significant environmental damage.

The commissioner further alleged that during an enforcement visit, officials of the agency were denied access to seal the premises, with security personnel and management representatives reportedly resisting and attacking members of the enforcement team.

He added that samples of the discharged effluent were collected for laboratory analysis, with results confirming contamination.

Wahab stated that the state government would proceed to court to secure orders for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the alleged assault on government officials. He also confirmed that enforcement officers would return to seal the property in line with environmental laws.

“There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental laws, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he said.

The development has sparked public concern over environmental compliance and corporate responsibility in Lagos, particularly in high-density commercial areas such as Victoria Island.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.