A group of frustrated customers threatened to shut down a branch of Sterling Bank in Iyana Itire, Lagos State, on Wednesday due to poor network service and the inability to carry out financial transactions. The customers, visibly upset and demanding action, gathered at the bank’s gate, expressing their dismay at the situation.
Many of the affected customers claimed that their money had not been credited to their accounts, and they issued an ultimatum to the bank, stating that if their funds were not made available within the next 24 hours, they would take drastic measures to shut down the branch. One customer, speaking to The Guardian, accused the bank of using their money for business purposes and lending it out, while providing false explanations about the delays.
Several customers reported visiting the bank multiple times throughout the week, only to be met with the same response and no resolution to their issues. They emphasized the negative impact the bank’s challenges were having on their businesses and personal lives. The situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing difficulties Nigerians face in accessing fuel and transportation, along with rising expenses.
A customer, identified only as Rashidi, expressed his frustration, stating, “This money is mine, not Tinubu’s. I have no fuel, and now this useless bank still holds my money. Do you want to kill us?”
In response to the complaints, a customer care service representative at Sterling Bank, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, acknowledged the difficulties experienced by customers. The representative explained that the bank is currently undergoing important system upgrades, which are expected to be completed soon. While urging customers to remain patient, the representative assured them that the bank is doing everything possible to ensure all customers have access to their funds within the next 24 hours.
Sterling Bank had previously informed its customers about the ongoing system upgrade through a message, which read in part, “We’re sorry for the disruptions following our recent system upgrade. We’re working hard to restore services, and thank you for your patience.”