Sterling Bank has launched a new initiative offering free bus rides to Lagos residents, doubling down on its nationwide push for financial inclusion through its Zero Transfer Fees campaign. The initiative, which began last week, is already making a notable impact on the city’s commuting landscape, offering relief to workers amid rising transportation costs.
The free rides, powered by the bank’s digital platform, OneBank, will run throughout May 2025 across major routes in Lagos, including Obalende, Ikorodu, TBS, and Oshodi. Commuters have been seen boarding Sterling-branded buses at no cost—a gesture that many have described as timely, thoughtful, and deeply impactful.
“For customers who have to choose between transport fare and groceries, this is more than a ride—it’s hope,” said Chidimma Okoli, Masterbrand Marketing Lead at Sterling. “When we said we were tearing down the barriers to moving your money, we meant it. But we also meant the barriers to moving yourself, to moving your dreams, to moving your life forward.”
The bank’s campaign, which started with the elimination of transfer fees via its OneBank app, has now moved beyond the digital space into physical interventions, delivering real-time relief to Nigerians facing economic challenges.
Mary E., a market trader from Oshodi, praised the initiative, saying, “This is the first time a bank is not just advertising but acting. I saved on transfers all month because of OneBank. And today, I saved on my transport. Sterling ehn, dem sharp. Dem dey move.”
Social media has also been buzzing with praise from young professionals and single parents alike. One rider shared on LinkedIn, “Every naira matters o. I already saved money on bank transfers using OneBank. Today, Sterling saved me time, money, and stress after a brutal day at work. They just get it.”
Sterling Bank has a history of providing timely support to Nigerians. From its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to backing transport cooperatives after the removal of fuel subsidies, the bank has consistently stepped up during challenging times. It also supports digital learning initiatives like AltSchool Africa and various entrepreneurship programs.
Okoli stressed that the latest campaign is not about brand promotion, but about building momentum toward a fairer financial system. “We’re not trying to relive past glories,” she said. “We’re building new victories, alongside the people who trust us every day with their journeys.”
Underpinning this campaign is Sterling’s robust digital infrastructure, capable of handling over 180 million transactions and absorbing costs that many other institutions would pass on to customers.
As workers prepare to return from the May Day holidays, Sterling’s free buses will continue to run, offering thousands of commuters daily reminders that banking can go beyond apps and branches—it can move people, both figuratively and literally.
Sterling is encouraging beneficiaries of the free rides to share their experiences online, turning each ride into a collective call for a banking system that supports, uplifts, and empowers.