Lagos Govt Orders Crackdown On Access Bank Over Alleged Wastewater Violation
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The Lagos State Government has initiated enforcement action against following allegations of environmental violations at its Oniru, Victoria Island facility, as disclosed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources.
In a statement shared via his official Facebook page, Wahab revealed that the action followed a whistleblower complaint, which prompted the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) to inspect the bank’s premises. The inspection reportedly uncovered that the facility’s wastewater treatment plant was non-functional, leading to the discharge of untreated faecal matter into public drainage channels.
According to the Commissioner, attempts by LSWMO officials to seal the premises were met with resistance. Security personnel and representatives of the bank allegedly denied enforcement officers access and, in the process, attacked members of the state team.
Despite the obstruction, officials were able to collect samples of the effluent for laboratory analysis. The results, Wahab stated, confirmed that the discharged wastewater was untreated, reinforcing the state’s position on the violation.
He further disclosed that the government would approach the court to secure orders for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the alleged assault on enforcement officers. Wahab added that enforcement teams would be reinforced to return to the premises and seal the facility in accordance with Lagos State environmental laws.
Efforts to reach for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Reiterating the state’s stance, the Commissioner emphasised that environmental regulations would be strictly enforced without exception, warning that no individual or corporate entity would be treated as above the law.
