Lagos Govt Moves to Seal Access Bank Plc HQ Over Alleged Wastewater Violations, Attack on Officials

Lagos Government has reportedly moved to seal Access Bank Plc HQ over alleged wastewater violations and an attack on officials.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Lagos State Government has initiated moves to seal the headquarters of Access Bank Plc in Oniru, Victoria Island, over alleged environmental violations and reported obstruction of enforcement officers.

 

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the action followed an inspection carried out by officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) after a whistleblower complaint.

 

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According to Wahab, the inspection revealed that the bank’s wastewater treatment plant was allegedly non-functional, leading to the discharge of untreated effluent, including faecal matter, into public drainage systems, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.

 

The commissioner further alleged that during the enforcement visit, officials were prevented from sealing the facility. He claimed that security personnel and representatives of the bank resisted the team, with reports that some enforcement officers were attacked while performing their duties.

 

Wastewater samples collected from the premises were subjected to laboratory analysis, with results said to confirm contamination.

 

Wahab stated that the state government would proceed to court to obtain orders for the arrest and prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in the incident. He added that enforcement teams would return with reinforcement to seal the premises in accordance with Lagos environmental laws.

 

He emphasized that environmental regulations would be strictly enforced, stressing that no corporate entity or individual would be exempt from compliance.

 

As of the time of filing this report, Access Bank Plc had not issued an official response to the allegations.