In today’s digital financial landscape, Nigerian banks are leveraging social media platforms to strengthen customer engagement, enhance brand visibility, and provide real-time service. Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn have become vital tools for banks to connect with millions of users, promote financial literacy, and showcase innovation.
This article highlights how leading Nigerian banks—Sterling Bank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Access Bank, UBA, FirstBank, and Zenith Bank—are using social media and AI-powered tools to reshape digital banking.
Sterling Bank: Simplifying Banking with Naya AI
Sterling Bank maintains a modest but growing digital presence with:
- 175,000 followers on X (@Sterling_Bankng)
- 162,000 on Instagram (@Sterlingbankng)
- 157,000 on LinkedIn
In April 2025, Sterling eliminated fees on mobile/online transfers and ATM issuance, sparking conversations around financial inclusion.
Its AI-powered assistant, Naya, provides advice in English and Pidgin, while @sterlinghelp offers customer support.
FCMB: Community Banking with Temi
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) leverages social media to promote inclusion and showcase community-driven initiatives. It boasts:
- 213,500 followers on X (@MyFCMB)
- 195,000 on Instagram
- 121,000 on LinkedIn
The bank’s chatbot, Temi, enables balance checks, fund transfers, and investment inquiries. FCMB also runs @fcmb_help, a support handle for real-time customer service.
Fidelity Bank: Engaging Tech-Savvy Customers
With 274,400 followers on X, 248,000 on Instagram, and 119,000 on LinkedIn, Fidelity Bank’s social media strategy targets younger, tech-driven customers.
Its virtual assistant, Ivy, available on WhatsApp and other platforms, handles inquiries, transactions, and support—making Fidelity one of the most digitally responsive banks in Nigeria.
Stanbic IBTC: Wealth Management and Pepper the Robot
Stanbic IBTC appeals to professionals with content focused on financial planning and wealth management. Its social media reach includes:
- 350,700 followers on X (@StanbicIBTC)
- 200,000 on LinkedIn
- 167,000 on Instagram
The bank also deploys Pepper, a humanoid robot, at events like #AfricaNXT, positioning itself as an innovative financial brand.
Access Bank: Digital Agility with Tamara
With 848,200 followers on X, 500,000 on Instagram, and 351,000 on LinkedIn, Access Bank is among Nigeria’s most digitally active institutions.
Its chatbot, Tamara, facilitates bill payments, airtime top-ups, and money transfers. For support, @accessbank_help provides prompt responses, cementing Access Bank’s digital-first reputation.
UBA: Pan-African Digital Leadership with LEO
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has built a strong pan-African digital brand:
- 1M followers on X (@UBAGroup)
- 515,000 on LinkedIn
- 477,000 on Instagram
Its AI assistant, LEO, now supports cross-border payments via the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). UBA also manages @UBACares for customer support.
FirstBank: Social Media Dominance with Fibani
FirstBank shares the top spot with Zenith Bank in digital following:
- 1.2M Instagram followers (@firstbanknigeria)
- 880,300 on X (@FirstBankngr)
- 266,000 on LinkedIn
Its chatbot, Fibani, provides efficient mobile banking, while @FBN_help offers 24/7 customer support.
Zenith Bank: Digital Engagement with ZiVA
Zenith Bank commands 2.3M followers, led by 1.5M on X (@ZenithBank), 607,000 on Instagram, and 276,000 on LinkedIn.
It uses these platforms for financial literacy campaigns, customer engagement, and promotions. Its chatbot, ZiVA, operates on WhatsApp to assist with transactions and inquiries.
Conclusion
The rise of AI-powered banking assistants like Naya, Temi, Ivy, Tamara, LEO, Fibani, and ZiVA underscores how Nigerian banks are merging social media strategy with digital banking innovation.
From fee-free transactions to cross-border payments and wealth advisory robots, these institutions are redefining customer engagement in Nigeria’s financial sector.
As competition grows, the banks that invest in social media presence, AI-driven tools, and real-time service delivery will continue to lead Nigeria’s evolving digital banking landscape.
