Sterling Bank’s online services are currently under heavy criticism due to a major system breakdown, leaving customers frustrated and anxious about the safety of their data.
For the past five days, the bank’s digital platform has been unresponsive, leading to widespread panic as both outward transactions and inflows have been delayed or completely halted.
Many customers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with some questioning the security of their funds and personal information. Others are sharing their negative experiences, ranging from inability to complete transactions to delayed account balances, prompting calls for intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
One distressed customer wrote, “Since Friday! @cenbank, please come to our rescue. I’m stranded! I’m hungry! I can’t do any transactions on the app. Money sent to me is yet to reflect in my account. I can’t do anything.”
Some customers are threatening to close their accounts once they regain access to their funds. “I’m closing all my accounts with you immediately once the network is restored. ‘Seamless banking’ my foot. You’re adding to Nigerians’ problems in this hardship,” another customer vented online.
Kasim, a mechanical engineer based in Magboro, Ogun State, lamented that a substantial transfer meant for his business had yet to reflect in his account, putting him at risk of losing a deal. “I’m very sad at the moment. Sterling Bank wants to ruin my business. I was supposed to buy vehicle parts with the money, but 24 hours after the transfer, nothing has shown up. It’s pathetic.”
The frustration has reached a boiling point on various platforms. Olayinka Osifodurin-Ogundimu voiced her anger on Facebook, calling out the bank with a post that attracted widespread reactions. Veteran journalist Mayor Akinpelu commented, “Useless Bank,” while Ibukun Elizabeth, another friend, added, “Sterling Bank has shown me pepper. It’s not funny at all.”
Others, like Morenike Omodutayo, expressed similar frustrations, threatening to take action. “I’m going there tomorrow with Otumokpo,” she said, while another customer, Seyi Odewale, stated, “I’ve been through hell. Can someone help with this Sterling Bank wahala?”
Renowned journalist Remi Adelowo also chimed in on social media: “Sterling Bank is showing its customers ‘shege promax’. Services have been down since Monday due to a supposed system upgrade. A sad state for what used to be a reliable bank.”
Despite Sterling Bank’s official position that the disruption is due to an ongoing system upgrade aimed at enhancing services, many customers remain unconvinced. According to “Society Reporters”, some have even threatened to shut down the Iyana Itire branch if they don’t gain access to their funds within the next 24 hours.
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