Lagos Authorities Close Access Bank Branch Due to Sewage Scandal
The Lagos State Administration has shut down a branch of Access Bank Plc in Victoria Island after uncovering the release of untreated wastewater into the public drainage network.
As per a communiqué issued by the Lagos state administration, the action was undertaken following discoveries by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), collaborating with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), regarding environmental infringements at the establishment situated in Oniru.
The enforcement was initiated based on a directive from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who indicated that the action was essential to safeguard the environment and guarantee adherence to state legislation.
“In response to a whistleblower alert, I instructed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to inspect the Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank building at Oniru, Victoria Island, where it was found that the wastewater treatment facility at the site was inactive, leading to the expulsion of untreated excrement into the public drainage network and inflicting significant harm to the environment,” Wahab remarked.
It was reported that officials from the wastewater agency were initially obstructed from executing their responsibilities during the first visit, as security personnel and representatives of the bank opposed efforts to seal the premises.
Nevertheless, samples collected from the discharged effluent were subsequently evaluated and confirmed to contain untreated sewage, leading the government to send additional enforcement personnel to close down the establishment in accordance with Lagos State environmental statutes.
The commissioner cautioned that the state would not hesitate to pursue legal measures against individuals or entities that hinder government officials in the execution of their duties, emphasizing that rigorous enforcement would be upheld.
“There are no exceptions in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or entity found breaching environmental laws, irrespective of status, will be answerable,” he asserted.
Also responding, the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, mentioned that the agency remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and ensuring that environmental regulations are thoroughly upheld throughout the state.
He emphasized that there would be no leniency in enforcing compliance, as the agency continues to supervise activities and rectify violations.
