By Duke Onyeoma
An engineering and environmental consultancy firm, GON-SETEC Nigeria Limited, has demanded ₦150 million from Fidelity Bank Plc over the alleged wrongful termination of its professional engagement after it reportedly resolved a regulatory compliance crisis involving the bank’s Lagos headquarters.
The demand was contained in a letter dated July 20, 2026, written by Kola Kuforiji Law Office on behalf of the company and addressed to the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc.
According to the solicitors, the bank engaged GON-SETEC on May 6, 2026, to urgently intervene after the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) issued a 72-hour abatement notice over wastewater compliance issues at the bank’s head office on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The law firm stated that the consultancy was mandated to review the regulatory notice, advise the bank on compliance requirements, liaise with the LSWMO, negotiate with regulators to prevent enforcement actions, and develop strategies for regularising the bank’s wastewater management systems.
The letter claimed that GON-SETEC immediately deployed engineers, environmental consultants and regulatory specialists, held consultations with LSWMO officials, conducted technical inspections, and successfully negotiated a two-week extension that allegedly shielded the bank from possible prosecution, sanctions and closure of its facilities.
The solicitors further alleged that despite benefiting from the firm’s intervention and technical expertise, Fidelity Bank later terminated the engagement and awarded the project to another contractor.
They described the bank’s action as a breach of contract, wrongful termination of engagement, unjust enrichment and deprivation of their client’s business opportunity, arguing that the bank relied on the groundwork laid by GON-SETEC before transferring the project elsewhere.
The firm’s claim includes ₦30 million for emergency regulatory consultancy, ₦12 million for technical advisory services, ₦10 million for mobilisation of personnel, ₦13 million for regulatory liaison and negotiations, ₦3 million for logistics, ₦2 million for administrative expenses, and ₦80 million as damages for alleged breach of contract, wrongful termination and loss of anticipated profits.
The solicitors have given Fidelity Bank 14 days to settle the ₦150 million demand, failing which they said they have been instructed to institute legal proceedings seeking damages, interest, legal costs and other reliefs before a competent court.
As of the time of filing this report, Fidelity Bank had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the demand letter.
