Lagos shuts Access Bank branch over untreated sewage discharge

Business, Cityscope, Crime Diary

LAGOS, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has sealed off a branch of Access Bank Plc in Victoria Island after uncovering the discharge of untreated sewage and obstruction of regulatory enforcement, raising concerns over environmental compliance among high‑profile institutions.

The operation, coordinated by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), followed a directive from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab. He said the move was necessary to safeguard the environment and enforce strict compliance with state environmental laws.

According to Wahab, a whistleblower complaint prompted an inspection of the bank’s Oniru facility, where officials discovered a non‑functional wastewater treatment plant. This led to untreated faecal matter being discharged into public drainage, causing severe environmental damage.

During the enforcement visit, LSWMO officials were initially denied access to seal the premises, as security personnel and management representatives resisted the team. Subsequent analysis of effluent samples confirmed untreated sewage, prompting the government to reinforce its officers and shut down the property.

The Commissioner warned that Lagos would pursue legal action against any individual or institution found guilty of assaulting or obstructing government officials in the course of their duties. “There are no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any organisation found violating the law, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he said.

Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of LSWMO, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations, stressing that there would be no compromise on environmental protection.