Sterling Bank Boosts Financial Inclusion, Youth Employability & Auto Ownership Access in Nigeria

Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria — Sterling Bank Plc — one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks — has continued to deliver impactful financial solutions and strategic partnerships over the past month, reinforcing its role in supporting economic participation, youth skills development, and consumer empowerment across the country.

Sterling Bank Expands Access to New Vehicle Ownership with JAC Autoland Partnership

Sterling Bank has formalised a strategic partnership with Elizade JAC Autoland Limited to make brand‑new vehicle ownership more accessible to Nigerians across different income profiles. Under the collaboration, customers can benefit from structured and flexible auto financing options of up to four years, including special discounts for existing Sterling Bank clients — reducing barriers to purchasing new cars and supporting small‑business mobility and personal finance.

Executives from both organisations highlighted that the partnership is designed to help stimulate demand in the automotive sector while giving consumers affordable pathways to own reliable vehicles without the high upfront costs traditionally associated with auto financing.

Sterling Bank and YABATECH Launch Work‑Study Programme to Boost Employability

In another milestone initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s human capital, Sterling Bank partnered with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to launch a structured work‑study programme aimed at helping students bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs.

The programme provides students with practical, hands‑on experience in workplace environments while enrolled in academic studies — giving them the tools, skills and professional exposure needed to be more competitive in the job market after graduation.

This collaboration reflects a growing focus on education‑industry linkages and supports Sterling Bank’s broader commitment to empowering Nigerian youth with the capabilities required to thrive in a dynamic economy.

Creative Economy Impact: Sterling Bank Strengthens Support for C.R.E.A.M Platform

The C.R.E.A.M (Creative Reality, Entertainment, Arts & Music) platform, founded by Nigerian entertainer and entrepreneur Dapo “D’Banj” Oyebanjo, reaffirmed its impact in Africa’s creative economy, underscoring a deepening financial integration with Sterling Bank.

Through this expanded collaboration, creative professionals can access tailored financial tools — such as the C.R.E.A.M Pay cobranded solution — that help creators receive and manage incomes from global streaming platforms, direct‑to‑fan sales and digital content monetisation.

This initiative supports Nigeria’s growing creative industry — one of the fastest‑expanding segments of the economy — by facilitating financial inclusion, income management solutions and digital empowerment for artists and creators.

Sterling Bank Meets CBN Recapitalisation Requirement — Strengthening Banking Sector Resilience

Sterling Bank has also met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) updated capitalisation requirements ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline, alongside several other Nigerian banks. This achievement — part of Nigeria’s broader banking sector revitalisation — enhances the bank’s financial stability, lending capacity, and ability to support economic growth.

Meeting the recapitalisation benchmark reflects Sterling Bank’s strong capital management and regulatory compliance, positioning it to continue supporting businesses, consumers, and national economic priorities.

Why This Matters for Nigeria

• Financial Inclusion & Consumer Access: Affordable auto financing expands mobility and consumer purchasing power across income segments.
• Youth Employability: Work‑study partnerships help bridge the academic–industry divide, equipping graduates for real‑world careers.
• Creative Economy Support: Enhanced financial products for creators promote economic participation and digital entrepreneurship.
• Banking Sector Stability: Compliance with recapitalisation requirements strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Sterling Bank’s recent activities reflect a holistic approach to economic engagement — blending consumer finance, human capital development, and creative sector empowerment — all of which contribute to inclusive growth and national development.