Union Bank Employees Remove Over 200kg of Waste in Lagos Beach Cleanup to Promote Environmental Sustainability

Union Bank Employees Remove Over 200kg of Waste in Lagos Beach Cleanup to Promote Environmental Sustainability

Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability as more than 50 of its employees, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), removed over 200 kilograms of waste from Alpha Community Beach in Lekki, Lagos, during the Bank's 2026 Employee Volunteer Day.

Union Bank of Nigeria has strengthened its environmental sustainability drive by organising a beach cleanup exercise at Alpha Community Beach, Lekki, Lagos, in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

The initiative, held on July 3 as part of the Bank's 2026 Employee Volunteer Day under its UnionCares Corporate Social Responsibility programme, brought together over 50 employee volunteers, representatives of the NCF, and students of Rodan High School, Ajah, Lagos, to promote cleaner waterways and coastal communities.

According to the Bank, the exercise was organised in response to the growing challenge of plastic pollution in Nigeria. It noted that the country generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos accounting for about 870,000 tonnes. More than 88 per cent of the waste is reportedly not recycled, with a significant volume ending up in rivers, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

The cleanup aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 14 on Life Below Water, and Goal 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

Volunteers were divided into eight teams and collectively removed more than 200 kilograms of waste from the beach, with additional litter collected by individual participants. The recovered waste was weighed at the end of the exercise to measure the environmental impact of the initiative.

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), provided logistical support by ensuring that the collected waste was properly sorted and disposed of in accordance with environmental standards.

Speaking during the exercise, Union Bank's Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, said the Bank remains committed to promoting environmental stewardship through practical community-based initiatives.

"At Union Bank, we understand that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to playing our part. As the impact of climate change becomes more evident, initiatives like this allow our employees to take meaningful action, support cleaner communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future," she said.

Union Bank said it would continue to build strategic partnerships and encourage employee and community participation in sustainability initiatives as part of its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and long-term positive impact across Nigeria.