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The Lagos State Government has closed a branch of Access Bank Plc in Victoria Island after discovering the discharge of untreated sewage into the public drainage system.

According to statement released by the Lagos state government, the action was carried out following findings by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), working with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), over environmental violations at the facility located in Oniru.

The enforcement followed a directive from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who said the move was necessary to protect the environment and ensure compliance with state laws.

“Following a whistleblower complaint, I directed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to visit the Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank 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,” Wahab said.

It was gathered that officials of the wastewater agency were initially prevented from carrying out their duties during the first visit, as security personnel and representatives of the bank resisted attempts to seal the premises.

However, samples taken from the discharged waste were later analysed and confirmed to contain untreated sewage, prompting the government to deploy additional enforcement officers to shut down the facility in line with Lagos State environmental regulations.

The commissioner warned that the state would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or organisations that obstruct government officials in the course of their duties, stressing that strict enforcement would be maintained.

“There are 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 stated.

Also reacting, the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, said the agency remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that environmental laws are fully observed across the state.

He noted that there would be no compromise in enforcing compliance, as the agency continues to monitor activities and address violations.

Lagos govt shuts Access Bank branch over untreated sewage discharge