Sterling Bank is taking its commitment to easing everyday financial burdens a step further. After drawing nationwide attention with its Zero Transfer Fees campaign, the bank has rolled out an initiative offering free bus rides to Lagos commuters throughout May 2025.
What started as a push against digital transaction charges via its OneBank platform has now transformed into a physical intervention, with Sterling-branded buses ferrying Lagosians home at no cost. This move, launched shortly after the May Day holiday, targets major city routes including Obalende, Ikorodu, TBS, and Oshodi.
In a city where transport costs can eat into essential spending, the initiative has resonated deeply. For many, a free ride is not just convenience—it’s financial relief. The bank’s gesture merges digital convenience with on-ground support, reflecting a broader mission to redefine financial freedom in practical terms.
From market traders to white-collar workers, Lagosians have taken to social media and the streets to express gratitude. A trader from Oshodi described the experience as “the first time a bank is not just advertising but acting.” Another commuter shared on LinkedIn how Sterling had helped him save time, money, and stress in a single day.
According to Chidimma Okoli, Masterbrand Marketing Lead at Sterling, the bank’s vision goes beyond banking apps. It’s about eliminating all forms of barriers—whether in moving money or moving lives. She noted that the bank aims to reverse a long-standing financial system that extracts more than it gives.
Sterling’s free ride program is not just a promotional strategy; it’s a deliberate act of corporate citizenship grounded in everyday reality. At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, this initiative stands out as a rare example of a financial institution backing its promises with action.
