By Peace Udugba
Union Bank of Nigeria has reinforced 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 cleanup, held on July 3, 2026, marked 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 was designed to promote cleaner waterways and coastlines while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 14 on Life Below Water, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
According to the Bank, Nigeria 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 not recycled, with a significant portion ending up in rivers, lagoons and the ocean, threatening marine life and coastal communities.
The exercise brought together more than 50 Union Bank employee volunteers, officials of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, and students of Rodan High School, Ajah, Lagos, in a collaborative effort to improve the coastal environment.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), provided logistical support by ensuring that all waste collected during the exercise was properly sorted and disposed of in line with environmental best practices.
Participants were divided into eight groups and collectively removed more than 200 kilograms of waste from the beach, with additional waste also recovered by individual volunteers. The waste was weighed at the end of the exercise to measure the environmental impact of the initiative.
Speaking during the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to environmental protection.
She said, “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.”
The Bank stated that it would continue to promote partnerships and community-driven initiatives that align with its corporate values and strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact across Nigeria.
Established in 1917, Union Bank is one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, with over 300 branches nationwide. The Bank provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses and public sector organisations while maintaining a strong focus on digital innovation and sustainable development.
