Sterling Bank, in partnership with Water.org and Sterling One Foundation, has launched the Sterling WASH Business Loan to empower water, sanitation, and hygiene, WASH, entrepreneurs and expand access to clean water and safe sanitation across Nigeria.
The initiative unveiled at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, underscores a joint commitment to tackling one of Nigeria’s most critical development challenges, limited access to safe water and basic sanitation.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, said the financing solution was designed to promote inclusive development by supporting entrepreneurs and service providers delivering essential WASH solutions at the community level.
He noted that sustainable development depends on collaboration and targeted investments, adding that the product aligns with the bank’s HEART strategy and its broader commitment to improving quality of life through impact-driven initiatives.
Also speaking, Nigeria Senior Partnership Account Manager at Water.org, Gilbert Okpono, stressed that access to finance is central to addressing the global water and sanitation crisis.
He said expanding affordable financing would enable households and WASH entrepreneurs to improve service delivery, reach more communities, and generate long-term health, education, and economic benefits.
According to him, the partnership reflects a shared belief that empowering communities with the means to secure safe water and sanitation can transform lives and drive sustainable development.
The Sterling WASH Business Loan is tailored to support WASH entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community service providers with flexible financing to help them scale operations, improve service delivery, and sustain their impact across underserved communities.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described access to safe water and sanitation as one of the most powerful investments in community well-being.
She said the initiative would open opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities to build healthier and more resilient futures through inclusive and scalable solutions.
The launch event attracted development partners, WASH entrepreneurs, policymakers, media professionals, and community organisations, who discussed the role of coordinated financing, supportive policies, and market-driven approaches in closing Nigeria’s WASH access gap.
Interested beneficiaries have been encouraged to seek further information on the Sterling WASH Business Loan through official Sterling Bank and partner platforms.
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