In a bold move to deepen financial inclusion and support its customers during economic uncertainty, Sterling Bank has announced a new feature called AlwaysOn, which allows eligible Nigerians to access up to ₦1 million every month, even when their account balances are low.
The initiative was unveiled on Workers’ Day 2025 and is accessible via the bank’s OneBank app. It is currently available by invitation only, though the bank has opened a waitlist for wider access expected later this month.
Speaking on the launch, Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, described the offering as a show of trust and a tool for emergency financial support. “This is about giving people the freedom to act when they need to,” Suleiman said. “We believe our customers deserve our trust and support, especially during tough times.”
Importantly, AlwaysOn is not classified as a traditional loan or credit facility. Instead, it is a specialized feature extended to trusted, active account holders without the rigorous requirements typical of borrowing.
The feature forms part of a broader wave of customer-focused reforms by Sterling. In April 2025, the bank removed transfer charges on its OneBank platform, a move that reportedly saved Nigerians about ₦13 billion. It also provided free bus rides to ease transportation costs for workers amid economic pressures.
According to Obinna Ukachukwu, Executive for Retail and Consumer Banking, the AlwaysOn feature aligns with Sterling’s mission to be more than just a bank. “We want to help Nigerians move forward, not just manage their money,” he said.
The rollout of AlwaysOn reaffirms Sterling’s commitment to innovation and human-centered banking in a challenging financial climate.
