The Lagos State Government has sealed a major branch of Access Bank Plc in Victoria Island over alleged environmental violations and an attack on enforcement officers.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, following an inspection of the bank’s facility in Oniru, Lagos.
According to Wahab, the action followed a whistleblower complaint that prompted officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) to investigate the premises.
He explained that the inspection revealed a non-functional wastewater treatment system at the facility, leading to environmental pollution.
“The wastewater treatment plant at the facility was found to be non-functional, resulting in the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system and causing severe environmental damage,” Wahab said.
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The commissioner further alleged that enforcement officers faced resistance during the operation, noting that officials were denied access to seal the premises.
“Security personnel and management representatives of the bank resisted our officers and, in the process, attacked members of the enforcement team,” he added.
Wahab stated that samples collected from the site confirmed the environmental breach after laboratory analysis returned positive results.
He added that the state government would initiate legal proceedings against those involved in the incident.
“The state will 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,” the statement said.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Wahab stressed that environmental laws would be strictly enforced across the state.
“There will be no sacred cows. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental regulations, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he said.
