- Sterling Bank’s users have complained about disruption in the bank’s services
- The bank responded by apologising and explaining the reason for the disruption
- TheRadar compiled reactions from customers who expressed their frustration with commercial banks in general
It has become a norm in the Nigerian social media space for commercial banks to trend. Oftentimes, the virality is for the wrong reasons, bordering on poor services and inaccessible facilities that leave customers frustrated.
It is why many have openly voiced out their preference for fintechs over commercial banks because of the relative stability and peace of mind that they enjoy.
The latest bank to appear on social media trends this week, beginning September 3, is Sterling Bank. The commercial bank which provides financial services to millions of Nigerian individuals, small businesses, and large corporations, had customers complaining about their services.
These customers wasted no time in venting their frustrations on social media about the quality of the services they were getting.
Customers lament online about Sterling Bank’s services
TheRadar compiled the following reactions from Sterling Bank customers on September 3, 2024.
“I will go and close my Sterling Bank account today for poor services, how would a Commercial Bank go out of services for 3 days? THIS IS SHAMEFUL AND EMBARRASSING 😞
“They have spoiled many business transactions.”
“Na mumu dey use Sterling Bank as Salary account. Chai, I just discovered say I will be mumu🥺”
“All business transactions are on hold, you can’t send nor receive money, how do I want to explain give my customers.”
“This is annoying. Still expecting an inflow since yesterday”
“Abi, their boss, and staff went to a party for three days?”
“Very annoying what nonsense is this somebody cannot get access to their money”
“You are not alone, Sir; this is beyond reason. I needed an urgent money transfer, three different persons sent me money to sort out urgent matters; and since morning, I have not seen any alert to confirm receipt of the money. Quite appalling.”
“@suleimana, as the CEO of Sterling Bank, we just need factual information as to when services would be restored, even if it's until a week so customers can plan accordingly
Automated responses from @sterlinghelp @Sterling_Bankng are not reassuring. Truly a disruptive bank.”
“Nigeria is happening to them as well.”
“Very annoying this idiot bank doesn't make me dey beg money to chop when I still get money for my account 😭 to make things worse client go pay money wey I suppose take run so kinds of stuff to that same account my mind just spoil anyhow.”
“Sterling Bank, enough is enough once the network is back, and leaving your bank is tired of the disappointment. Am just tired.”
“I thought it was just me o. I was stranded yesterday because I couldn't make a transfer. 2 weeks ago, I had to sit down at a restaurant after eating vos. I made a transfer and it didn't deliver on time. So many cases like that. 🤦”
Sterling Bank’s response
In response to customers' complaints, Sterling Bank Help said on its official ‘X’ page on Tuesday, September 3, that the difficulty customers experienced was a result of the system upgrade to improve users' experience across all platforms.
They assured customers that the network hitches would be resolved shortly. In their response to a customer, @mecnaija, @sterlinghelp said:
“Hi @mrcnaija, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. You’re experiencing this because we’re currently concluding a system upgrade to improve your experience across all our platforms. I assure you that this will be sorted out shortly so you can transact seamlessly.”
21 Nigerian banks that were closed down between 2000 - 2024
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously compiled a list of banks that were closed down between 2009-2024. They include Premier Commercial Bank, Ivory Merchant Bank, Rims Merchant Bank, African Express Bank and Eagle Bank Limited.
This was in light of the recent closure of Heritage Bank, a commercial financial institution forcefully shut down by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which sent shockwaves to thousands of individuals who operated accounts with it.
