Vanessa 
Sterling Bank is once again winning hearts with a bold act of corporate goodwill. After the success of its Zero Transfer Fees campaign, the bank has now extended its customer-first approach from digital platforms to the streets of Lagos.
Sterling Takes Financial Relief to the Streets
Last week, many Lagos residents ending their workday were pleasantly surprised. Sterling OneBank-branded buses offered them free rides home, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable one.
The initiative, designed to support workers returning from the May Day holidays, will run throughout May 2025 across major Lagos routes.
In a city where every naira counts, the gesture offers real help. What started with free transfers on OneBank has evolved into a movement blending digital convenience with everyday survival.
Across Lagos, Sterling buses were spotted on routes like Obalende to Ikorodu and TBS to Oshodi. Grateful commuters expressed shock and joy, with many seeing it as more than just a free ride.
“For those choosing between transport and groceries, this is hope,” said Chidimma Okoli, Sterling’s Masterbrand Marketing Lead.
Market trader Mary E. from Oshodi summed it up: “Sterling no just dey advertise, dem dey act. I saved transfer money all month and today, I saved on transport too!”
Similarly, a young professional shared on LinkedIn, “Sterling saved me time, money, and stress after a tough workday. They just get it.”
Okoli emphasized that the bank’s mission goes beyond banking apps. “We’re removing barriers to moving lives forward, not just moving money,” she explained.
Sterling’s reputation for standing with Nigerians is not new. During the pandemic, the bank supported remote work and helped SMEs stay afloat. After fuel subsidy removal, it financed transport cooperatives to keep mobility alive.
Unlike many banks, Sterling’s strong digital backbone, which handles over 180 million transactions, lets it absorb these costs rather than push them onto customers.
This hidden strength makes the visible acts of care possible.
Free Rides Continue Through May
As May continues, workers can expect more free rides across Lagos. Each ride serves as a reminder that true banking must move lives forward, not hold them back.
Sterling is encouraging all riders to share their experiences online. Together, these small journeys could build a louder call for a financial system that respects and uplifts Nigerians.
