Global ride-hailing company Uber has discontinued its operations in Nigeria, bringing its 12-year presence in the country to an end.
The company said the decision took effect on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber, which commenced operations in Lagos in 2014, said it also ended its services in Uganda as part of the same strategic decision. It, however, stressed that the withdrawal was limited to the two countries and did not amount to an exit from Sub-Saharan Africa.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the company said.
“This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent. Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders and local team members throughout this transition.”
Uber’s Head of Communications for East and West Africa, Lorraine Onduru, said the company remained committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it continued to see strong growth prospects and long-term opportunities.
According to the company, its investments will now be concentrated in markets where it believes it can provide earning opportunities to drivers at scale and deliver sustainable mobility services to riders.
Uber also clarified that its withdrawal from Nigeria was not connected to the recent controversy surrounding the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s directive on the operation of e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
“The decision is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports,” the company stated.
The ride-hailing operator said it was communicating directly with affected employees, drivers and riders and would provide appropriate support throughout the transition. It added that active drivers had been contacted and would receive a token of appreciation.
Although ride-hailing operations have ended, Uber said its customer-support channels would remain available until September 23, 2026, to address outstanding account queries and other transition-related matters.
The company further assured Nigerian users that their personal information would continue to be processed in accordance with applicable data-protection laws, privacy requirements and its internal policies. It said only information required by law would be retained, with appropriate security safeguards maintained.
Uber for Business, its corporate mobility service, has also been discontinued in Nigeria. The company said it was engaging affected corporate customers and partners to assist them through the transition.
Uber’s departure marks a significant change in Nigeria’s e-hailing market, where the company had become one of the most recognisable mobility platforms and provided earning opportunities to thousands of independent drivers.
During its years in Nigeria, the company faced recurring disputes with drivers over fares, commission rates, operating costs and working conditions. Uber did not, however, identify those disputes as the immediate reason for its withdrawal.
The exit is expected to reshape competition in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, with platforms such as Bolt, inDrive and LagRide positioned to absorb some of Uber’s former drivers and passengers.
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