Sterling Bank Plc is expanding its Zero Transfer Fees campaign into a broader social impact initiative by providing free bus rides to commuters across Lagos, giving relief to thousands of Nigerians facing the burden of rising transportation costs.
The bank made the announcement on Tuesday, revealing that the free rides, offered via Sterling OneBank-branded buses, are part of a month-long campaign set to run through May 2025. The initiative, which started as a push against bank transfer charges, has now grown into a movement aimed at easing daily burdens for working Nigerians.
In the wake of the recent May Day holiday, the bank deployed buses to key transport corridors in Lagos, including Obalende, Ikorodu, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), and Oshodi. The goal: to offer weary workers a stress-free ride home at no cost.
“Every naira matters. 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,” a young Lagos professional wrote on LinkedIn, echoing the gratitude expressed by many commuters who benefitted from the gesture.
Chidimma Okoli, Masterbrand Marketing Lead at Sterling Bank, said the project was inspired by the realities faced by millions of Nigerians who must make hard choices between basic needs daily. “For customers who have to choose between transport fare and groceries, this is more than a ride—it’s hope,” she said.
Sterling Bank’s campaign began with the removal of electronic bank transfer fees via its OneBank platform a move that resonated strongly with a population weary of multiple banking charges. With the addition of the free transportation initiative, the bank is reinforcing its commitment to being a socially responsible institution that understands and responds to the real-life struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
A market trader from Oshodi, Mary E., who took one of the free buses, summed up her experience: “This is the first time a bank is not just advertising but acting. I have saved on transfers all month because of OneBank. And today, I saved on my transport.”
According to Okoli, the bank’s goal is to create “freedom in every sense of the word” financial freedom that goes beyond apps and slogans, and instead translates into tangible help for people trying to move forward in tough economic conditions.
“This isn’t just about removing transfer fees,” Okoli added. “It’s about breaking down the barriers to movement of people, dreams, and opportunities. Financial systems have for too long extracted from Nigerians. At Sterling, we are making a different choice: to give back in dignity and relief.”
