Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially shut down its operations in Nigeria, ending a 12-year presence in the country.
The company discontinued its services in Nigeria on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as part of a broader decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda following a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber entered the Nigerian market in 2014, launching first in Lagos before expanding to other cities as demand for app-based transportation services increased.
In a statement announcing the decision, the company said, “After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026.”
Uber said the decision was limited to the two countries and would not affect its operations in other African markets.
The company explained that it was concentrating investments on markets where it could provide greater value to drivers through earning opportunities at scale while enabling riders to move around seamlessly.
“This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent,” the company said.
The company also said its immediate priority was to support drivers, riders and local employees affected by the transition.
Uber’s exit comes amid increasing competition in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, as well as broader challenges including rising fuel costs, inflation and currency instability, which have increased operating costs for drivers and mobility platforms.
However, the company did not specifically attribute its withdrawal from Nigeria to these economic pressures.
AIRPORT DIRECTIVE NOT RESPONSIBLE
Uber also clarified that its decision to leave Nigeria was not connected to the recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
According to reports, the company said the decision was reached after reviewing its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa and was not a response to the airport directive.
The company is expected to maintain its customer help centre until September 23 to assist customers with outstanding account-related matters.
Uber’s withdrawal marks the end of one of the most prominent international ride-hailing platforms’ 12-year operations in Nigeria and leaves local and international competitors to compete for its former riders and driver-partners.
The exit also comes as Uber undertakes a major global restructuring, including plans to cut about 3,300 jobs, representing roughly 10 per cent of its workforce, as the company seeks to simplify its operations and redirect investment towards growth areas, including autonomous vehicles.
The company has not disclosed the number of Nigerian drivers, riders or employees directly affected by the shutdown.
