Abia Government Warns Access Bank Over Environmental Violations, Threatens Branch Closure
From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has issued a strong warning to an Access Bank branch in Umuahia over alleged environmental violations, stating that the facility could be shut down if it fails to comply with environmental regulations.
The warning followed the state’s end-of-June monthly environmental sanitation exercise, during which officials monitored compliance across various parts of Umuahia.
Representing the Commissioner for Environment during the inspection, the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, expressed dissatisfaction with the overall level of compliance recorded during the sanitation exercise.
According to him, the poor turnout was partly due to the suspension of the monthly sanitation exercise for about three months, which he said weakened public participation and compliance.
During the inspection, officials identified an Access Bank branch located along Owerri Road near Warri Street in Umuahia for allegedly blocking drainage channels and obstructing the free flow of stormwater through activities around its premises.
Nwoke directed that the bank be served a formal warning letter and cautioned that the Abia State Government could shut down the branch if the environmental issues are not promptly addressed in line with the state’s sanitation and environmental protection laws.
He emphasized that corporate organizations operating in Abia State have a responsibility to maintain clean surroundings, regularly desilt drainage systems within their operational areas, and support government efforts aimed at promoting a healthy and sustainable environment.
The lawmaker also urged residents to improve their participation in future sanitation exercises, stressing that environmental cleanliness remains a collective responsibility.
While monitoring sanitation activities along Owerri Road by Eket Street, the ministry’s enforcement team commended the leader of the Hausa community in Abia State, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, who was seen coordinating members of his community as they cleared blocked drainage channels in the area.
At Orie Ugba Market, Nwoke appealed to traders to remove waste and clear clogged drainage systems to prevent flooding, improve water flow, and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
He further called on the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to urgently clear blocked drainage channels around the Isigate axis and adjoining areas to minimize flooding and improve sanitation across the city.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Nwoke reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that both residents and businesses contribute to keeping Abia clean.
Also speaking during the exercise, the Head of Department, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Mrs. Happiness Akpulonu, urged all Local Government Council Chairmen to actively participate in the monthly sanitation programme to strengthen environmental management across the state.
She also advocated stricter enforcement measures against residents who fail to comply with sanitation directives, noting that effective enforcement would improve compliance and help maintain a healthier environment.
According to officials, a total of 66 sanitation offenders were arrested during the exercise and arraigned before a mobile court. Out of the number, 59 were convicted for violating the state’s environmental sanitation regulations.
The Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental cleanliness and warned that individuals, businesses, and organizations that fail to comply with environmental standards would face appropriate sanctions.
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Abia Government warns Access Bank over blocked drainage, threatens shutdown as 59 sanitation offenders are convicted in Umuahia.
