…Vows Prosecution

The Lagos State Government has sealed a branch of Access Bank Plc located on Land Bridge Avenue in Oniru, Victoria Island, over the alleged discharge of untreated faecal waste into public drainage channels.

The enforcement action, carried out by officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), followed a whistleblower report that prompted an inspection of the facility.

Authorities said investigations confirmed that the bank was releasing raw sewage into nearby drains, causing foul odour and environmental pollution in violation of state sanitation laws.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Thursday, disclosed that the operation took place late at night as part of a joint enforcement exercise.

He stressed that the government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on environmental infractions and would apply appropriate sanctions.

“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team confirmed indiscriminate discharge of untreated waste, leading to environmental degradation. The facility has been sealed in line with existing regulations,” Wahab said.

The development comes amid rising tensions between regulatory authorities and the bank. Earlier, the state government accused individuals linked to the facility of assaulting LSWMO officials during an attempted inspection of the wastewater treatment system.

According to Wahab, enforcement officers were initially denied access to the premises, and some personnel were allegedly attacked while carrying out their duties.

Samples collected from the site were subsequently analysed, with results reportedly confirming environmental violations.

The commissioner said the government would pursue legal action against those involved in the alleged assault, adding that steps are underway to secure court orders for their arrest and prosecution.

“There will be no sacred cows. Any organisation or individual found violating environmental laws will be held accountable,” he stated.

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

The incident is the latest in a series of enforcement actions by Lagos authorities targeting environmental offenders. In recent months, officials have reported multiple confrontations during sanitation operations, including a December 2025 case involving a restaurant where enforcement officers were attacked while attempting to enforce wastewater regulations.

Authorities say the renewed crackdown is part of broader efforts to improve sanitation standards and protect public health across the state.