Lagos Moves Against Access Bank Over Alleged Environmental Pollution, Attack On Officials

The Lagos State Government has moved against Access Bank Plc over an alleged environmental violation at its Oniru, Victoria Island facility, where authorities say untreated wastewater was being discharged into the public drainage system, even as officials of the state enforcement team were reportedly attacked during an attempt to seal the premises.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the action followed a whistleblower complaint which prompted the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO, to carry out an inspection of the bank’s facility.

According to the Commissioner, the findings revealed that the wastewater treatment plant at the premises was non-functional, leading to the release of untreated faecal matter into the environment.

“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,” Wahab said.

The commissioner further alleged that the situation escalated during enforcement, as officials of the agency were denied access to carry out their statutory duties, with resistance from security personnel and management representatives at the facility.

“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,” the top-level cabinet member alleged..

Wahab added that despite the resistance, samples of the effluent discharged from the premises were taken for laboratory analysis, with results confirming the violation.

“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 further declared.

He stressed that the state government would not only return to enforce compliance but would also initiate legal proceedings against those involved in the alleged attack on government officials.

He insisted necessary steps are already being taken to secure court orders for arrests and prosecution.

“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, adding that enforcement officers would be reinforced to ensure the facility is sealed in line with environmental laws.

Reaffirming the government’s stance, the commissioner declared that enforcement of environmental regulations would be carried out without fear or favour.

“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.

The development speaks to the state government’s renewed push to enforce environmental compliance across corporate and residential facilities, amid growing concerns over pollution and its impact on public health and urban infrastructure.