Abayomi Susan
Lagos, Nigeria Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development, Union Bank of Nigeria has organised a beach cleanup exercise at Alpha Community Beach, Lekki, Lagos, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The initiative, held on July 3, 2026, formed part of the Bank’s 2026 Employee Volunteer Day under its UnionCares Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. It reflects Union Bank’s continued efforts to promote environmental stewardship while encouraging employee-led volunteerism and collective action for a cleaner, healthier environment.
The exercise comes at a time when Nigeria faces a growing plastic pollution challenge. The country generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos contributing about 870,000 tonnes. More than 88 per cent of this waste is never recycled, leaving large volumes to pollute rivers, lagoons, and coastal waters, threatening marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In response to these environmental concerns, the cleanup initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), while also promoting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through multi-sector collaboration.
The exercise brought together over 50 Union Bank employee volunteers, officials of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, and students from Rodan High School, Ajah, Lagos. The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), provided logistical support to ensure all collected waste was properly sorted and disposed of in line with environmental best practices.
Working in eight teams, the volunteers removed more than 200 kilograms of waste from the beach, with additional refuse collected by individual participants. The waste was weighed at the end of the exercise to demonstrate the tangible environmental impact of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to protecting the environment.
“At Union Bank, we recognise that safeguarding the environment is a shared responsibility, and we remain committed to making a meaningful difference. As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, initiatives like this empower our employees to contribute actively to cleaner communities and a more sustainable future.”
Union Bank said it will continue to strengthen partnerships and community-based initiatives that reflect its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable development, while creating lasting positive impact across the communities it serves nationwide.
Established in 1917, Union Bank remains one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, providing innovative banking solutions through more than 300 branches and a wide range of digital channels under its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy.
