A major problem facing the Nigerian banking industry has been a less than primary attention to or recognition of strategic marketing. Consequently, customers are not very familiar with the banks, their proucts and services. The banks have not fared very well in their effort to stimulate favourable attitude and impression toward their products and services. In most cases lack of innovativeness and strategic flexibility, which are the basic ingredients for sustainable competitive advantage have been deliberately encouraged. This study, marketing strategies of financial institutions in Nigeria: A study of selected Banks, was designed to (among other objectives), determine the extent to which Nigerian Banks have adopted strategic marketing. The study was also designed to identify current and future functional area strategies relevant to bank service marketing in Nigeria. A primary objective of this study was the identification of marketing strategies used by commercial banks to reach out to their markets. A total of five commercial banks (Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Citizens International Bank Ltd., Union Bank Plc) were included in the study. The survey research method was used, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The five banks used were directly selected on the basis of years in operation. Data for the study were collected from both management and staff of the five banks under study. Data collected from these sources were collated and analysed using simple percentages, chi-square and trend analysis. The study revealed that: a) Banks apply marketing strategies in the achievement of their objectives. b) The marketing strategies are effective. c) Majority of bank customers are not satisfied with their banks, and consequently rated their banks services as being "somewhat" favourable. d) The banks have recently adopted Total Quality Managment (TQM) as a means of satisfying their customers. e) There is a relationship between strategic marketing and customer familiarity with a bank, its products and services. f) Favourable impressions about a bank, its products, and services depend on effective marketing strategies. g) Profitability, growth, and competitiveness are associated with effective marketing strategies.