Lagos Government Closes 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 waste into the municipal drainage system.
As per a statement issued by the Lagos state administration, the action was taken following discoveries made by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), collaborating with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), regarding environmental infringements at the site situated in Oniru.
The enforcement was executed following an order from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who stated that the initiative was essential to safeguard the environment and ensure adherence to state regulations.
“After receiving a whistleblower report, I instructed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to inspect the Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank facility at Oniru, Victoria Island, where it was revealed that the wastewater treatment system at the site was inactive, leading to the release of untreated sewage into the public drainage system and causing significant harm to the environment,” Wahab remarked.
It was reported that officials from the wastewater agency were initially obstructed from performing their duties during the initial visit, as security forces and bank representatives resisted efforts to secure the premises.
Nevertheless, samples collected from the released waste were subsequently tested and confirmed to include untreated sewage, prompting the government to send additional enforcement personnel to close down the facility in accordance with Lagos State environmental statutes.
The commissioner cautioned that the state would not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against individuals or entities that hinder government officials during the execution of their responsibilities, emphasizing that rigorous enforcement would be upheld.
“There are no exceptions in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any person or organization found breaching environmental laws, irrespective of their standing, will face consequences,” he declared.
In addition, the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, responded by saying the agency remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and ensuring that environmental laws are thoroughly enforced throughout the state.
He emphasized that there would be no leniency in ensuring compliance, as the agency continues to oversee activities and rectify violations.
