Sports development continues to be a flagship focus area in the Bank's CSR strategy, with a reported commitment of N91.2 million for the construction of the NUGA VIP Centre, University of Nigeria Nsukka for the university's successful hosting of the Nigeria University Games (NUGA 2008) in December 2008, reputed to be the best NUGA Games so far, N20 million to Kaduna State Government in support of its hosting of the 2008 National Sports Festival, and N2 million to the Abia State contingent to the same Festival.

The Bank also kept up its traditional tournament sponsorships. The 47th Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship organised by the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 was sponsored for N18.6 million, sponsorship and maintenance of Hole Nine at Ikoyi Club Golf Course for N1.2 million, the Georgian Cup of the Kaduna Polo Club for N6 million, and the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship for N5.8 million. There was also support for the 1st U-16 Emeka Anyaoku Cup Final/Closing Ceremony and Fund Raising for Mini Stadium, the J.K. Randle Swimming Competition, and the Lagos Country Club's Kiddies/Children Sports Festival.

Under the auspices of the King's College Lagos Old Boys Association, there was support for the school's 88th Annual Interhouse Athletics Competition and the 16th Annual Interhouse Athletics Competition of St. Saviour's Schools Lagos. Folawiyo Jinadu Adisa, a physically challenged athlete, also received sponsorship to participate in the All England Open Badminton and German International Tournaments.