Union Bank of Nigeria has reinforced its environmental sustainability agenda with a large scale beach cleanup exercise that removed more than 200 kilograms of waste from Alpha Community Beach in Lekki, Lagos, as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s waterways and coastal ecosystem.
The initiative, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), formed part of the bank’s 2026 Employee Volunteer Day held under UnionCares, its Corporate Social Responsibility platform dedicated to community development and environmental sustainability.
The exercise brought together more than 50 Union Bank employee volunteers, officials of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, students of Rodan High School, Ajah, and representatives of the Lagos State Government to promote collective environmental responsibility.
According to the organisers, the cleanup aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 14 on Life Below Water, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, while Lagos contributes about 870,000 tonnes. With over 88 per cent of plastic waste left unrecycled, huge volumes eventually pollute rivers, lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean, threatening marine life and coastal livelihoods.
To address the challenge, volunteers were divided into eight teams and combed the shoreline, collecting plastics and other discarded materials. The recovered waste exceeded 200 kilograms and was weighed after the exercise to demonstrate the measurable environmental impact of the initiative.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) provided logistical support throughout the exercise, ensuring that all recovered waste was properly sorted and disposed of in accordance with approved environmental standards.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of Union Bank, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to environmental protection through practical community engagement.
She said safeguarding the environment requires collective responsibility, adding that initiatives such as the beach cleanup enable employees to contribute directly to cleaner communities while supporting national efforts to tackle climate change.
Aluko noted that Union Bank remains committed to promoting sustainability through employee driven initiatives that deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation commended the collaboration, describing partnerships between the private sector, environmental organisations and educational institutions as essential to addressing the growing challenge of plastic pollution.
The participation of students from Rodan High School also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in environmental education and encouraging responsible waste management from an early age.
Union Bank said it would continue to strengthen strategic partnerships that advance environmental conservation, sustainable development and community impact in line with its corporate values.
Established in 1917, Union Bank is one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions with more than 300 branches nationwide. The bank continues to expand its digital banking services while maintaining its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
The beach cleanup further underscores Union Bank’s determination to combine business growth with environmental stewardship, demonstrating that collective action remains a critical tool in protecting Nigeria’s beaches, waterways and marine ecosystem.