Public Health Threat: Access Bank Branch Sealed in Lagos Over Illegal Sewage Disposal

The Lagos State Government has sealed another branch of Access Bank located in Oniru, Lagos, over the unlawful discharge of raw faecal waste into public drainage channels.

The development was disclosed by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via his X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to the Commissioner, the action followed a tip-off from a whistleblower, which prompted an investigation by officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office. The claims were subsequently verified.

Wahab stated that the enforcement operation, carried out overnight, confirmed that the bank branch situated on Land Bridge Avenue, Oniru, Victoria Island, was indiscriminately releasing untreated sewage into public drains. This act reportedly caused offensive odours and contributed to environmental pollution, in violation of existing state environmental laws. He added that the facility would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.

This incident comes shortly after a similar enforcement attempt at the bank’s head office, where state officials reportedly encountered resistance and were attacked while carrying out their duties.