Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by organising a beach cleanup exercise at Alpha Community Beach, Lekki, Lagos, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The exercise, held on July 3, formed part of the bank’s 2026 Employee Volunteer Day under its Employee Volunteering initiative powered by UnionCares, the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform.
The initiative brought together more than 50 employee volunteers, representatives of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and students of Rodan High School, Ajah, Lagos, to promote environmental conservation and cleaner coastlines.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), provided logistical support and ensured that all collected waste was sorted and disposed of in line with environmental best practices.
During the exercise, volunteers were divided into eight groups and collected more than 200 kilograms of waste from the beach, with the volume measured at the end of the exercise to demonstrate its environmental impact.
Speaking at the event, the bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, said the initiative reflected Union Bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“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.
According to the bank, the initiative 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.
Nigeria is estimated to generate about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos accounting for approximately 870,000 tonnes.
The bank noted that more than 88 per cent of the plastic waste generated in the country is not recycled, with a significant portion ending up in rivers, lagoons and oceans, threatening marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Union Bank said it would continue to promote partnerships and community engagement initiatives that support environmental sustainability and contribute to the well-being of communities across the country.
