Lagos State Government has moved to seal off a facility belonging to Access Bank Plc in Oniru, Victoria Island, following allegations of environmental violations involving the discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who revealed that the action followed a whistleblower complaint that prompted an immediate inspection of the premises by officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office.

According to the commissioner, the enforcement team discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the bank’s facility was not operational, resulting in the release of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system.

He said, “Following a whistleblower complaint, I directed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office team to visit the Access Bank Plc building at Oniru, Victoria Island, where it was discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the facility was non-functional, resulting in the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system and causing severe damage to the environment.”

Wahab further disclosed that the enforcement process was met with resistance from the bank’s representatives and security personnel, who allegedly obstructed government officials from carrying out their duties.

“During the enforcement visit, officials of LSWMO were denied access to seal the facility. Security personnel and management representatives of the bank resisted our officers and, in the process, attacked members of the enforcement team,” he stated.

Despite the confrontation, the commissioner confirmed that samples of the effluent discharged from the premises were collected for laboratory analysis, which reportedly validated the initial findings.

“Consequently, the LSWMO team has taken samples of the effluent being discharged from the premises for laboratory analysis and result of test came back positive,” he added.

The state government has indicated its readiness to pursue legal action against those responsible for the alleged assault on its officials, stressing that due process will be followed to ensure accountability.

“The State will also 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,” Wahab said.

He further revealed that enforcement officers would be reinforced and deployed back to the site to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

“Meanwhile, enforcement officers will be reinforced to return and seal off the property tonight in line with the Lagos State Environmental Laws,” he stated.

Reaffirming the government’s stance on environmental protection, the commissioner emphasised that no organisation would be exempt from regulatory enforcement.

“There will be NO SACRED COWS in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental laws, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” Wahab declared.