The Lagos State Government has initiated action to seal the Access Bank Plc facility in Oniru, Victoria Island, following claims that the bank discharged untreated wastewater into public drains.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the enforcement followed a whistleblower complaint which prompted officials from the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to inspect the premises.
According to Wahab, the inspection revealed that the bank’s wastewater treatment plant was non-operational, resulting in untreated faecal matter being released into the public drainage system.
“Following a whistleblower complaint, I directed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office team to visit the Access Bank Plc building at Oniru, Victoria Island, where it was discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the facility was non-functional, resulting in the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system and causing severe damage to the environment,” he said.
The commissioner added that officials faced obstruction from the bank’s security personnel and management representatives during the enforcement exercise.
“During the enforcement visit, officials of LSWMO were denied access to seal the facility. Security personnel and management representatives of the bank resisted our officers and, in the process, attacked members of the enforcement team,” Wahab stated.
Despite the resistance, samples of the effluent were collected for laboratory testing, which confirmed the initial findings.
“Consequently, the LSWMO team has taken samples of the effluent being discharged from the premises for laboratory analysis and result of test came back positive,” he added.
The government has also indicated plans to take legal action against those responsible for assaulting its officials, ensuring that due process is followed.
“The State will also proceed to court to obtain the necessary orders for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties,” Wahab said.
He further revealed that enforcement officers would be strengthened and redeployed to the site to enforce compliance.
“Meanwhile, enforcement officers will be reinforced to return and seal off the property tonight in line with the Lagos State Environmental Laws,” he stated.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to environmental protection, Wahab underscored that no organisation would be above the law.
“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 declared.
