In a strategic move to unlock private-sector financing for one of Nigeria’s most critical social needs, Sterling Bank has unveiled a targeted loan solution designed to accelerate investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services nationwide.
The initiative, launched in partnership with Water.org and the Sterling One Foundation, is known as the Sterling WASH Business Loan, a catalytic financing instrument aimed at empowering WASH-focused businesses and service providers to scale sustainable access to safe water and sanitation across the country.
Unveiled on Monday, November 24, 2025, at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, the launch underscores a shared commitment to strengthening systems that deliver WASH solutions, at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to grapple daily with inadequate access to clean water and safe sanitation—conditions with profound implications for public health, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank, highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering inclusive development, saying, “Sustainable development depends on collaboration and targeted investment in the people and businesses delivering solutions on the ground.
“By providing accessible financing to entrepreneurs in such a critical social sector, we ensure that progress reaches communities that need it most.
“This product aligns with our HEART strategy and our commitment to improving quality of life through impact-driven initiatives.”
Gilbert Okpono, Nigeria Senior Partnership Account Manager at Water.org, emphasised the transformative potential of financing WASH businesses, adding that, “Financial inclusion is critical to solving the global water and sanitation crisis.
“By expanding access to affordable financing, we enable households and WASH entrepreneurs to improve services, reach more communities, and transform lives.
“Our partnership with Sterling Bank and Sterling One Foundation reflects a shared belief that when communities have the means to secure safewater and sanitation, the benefits ripple across health, education, and economic opportunity. This launch is a major step toward scaling that impact sustainably.”
The Sterling WASH Business Loan is designed to support WASH entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community service providers with flexible financing to expand and sustain their impact, enabling improved health, livelihoods, and educational outcomes across communities.
The initiative aligns closely with Sterling One Foundation’s mission to drive social impact and sustainable development across Africa.
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, affirmed that, “Our Foundation’s mission is to catalyse initiatives that deliver real, lasting change. Access to safe water and sanitation is one of the most powerful investments in community well-being.
“Through this launch, we are opening doors for entrepreneurs, families, and communities to build healthier futures. We are proud to partner with Water.org and Sterling Bank to deliver solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.”
The launch event brought together development partners, WASH entrepreneurs, media, policymakers, and community organisations to explore how coordinated financing, supportive policies, and market-driven solutions can close Nigeria’s WASH access gap.