On September 2, 2026, Uber officially announced that it is winding down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective immediately.
The company was launched in Lagos in July 2014 as the first major e-hailing service company in the country. It confirmed the decision in statements shared with the media and emails to users.
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The Official Announcement by Uber
Uber explained the move as the result of a thorough internal review:
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026. This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent.”
The company emphasised that it remains:
“Deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa,” where it sees strong growth and long-term opportunity.
Uber’s immediate priority now is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members through the transition. Hence, rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations end. The help centre will also stay open until September 23 for final account queries.
This development also applies to the Uber for Business services in Nigeria.
Why Is Uber Leaving Nigeria?
- Uber has stated a clear reason: evolving business priorities and a shift in investment focus across Africa. The company is looking to concentrate its resources on markets where it believes it can create the greatest value for drivers and riders (through seamless mobility.
- The exit is also a part of a larger global restructuring. Uber is cutting approximately 33,300 jobs, which is roughly 10% of its global workforce. The restructuring aims to flatten the corporate structure and reduce management layers. It will also cut fully remote roles and redirect savings toward growth areas, particularly autonomous vehicles and robotaxis.
Uber plans to invest more than $10 billion in robotaxi technology in the coming years as it positions itself as a marketplace for driverless rides amid intensifying competition from players like Waymo and Tesla.
Importantly, Uber emphasised that the decision is not related to the recent Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directive on e-hailing operations at airports.
Challenges Uber Faced After its Arrival in Nigeria in 2014
In Nigeria, Uber has faced periodic challenges, including driver protests over fares, commissions, and working conditions in 2017, 2023, and 2025.
Apart from this, the Nigerian app-based transport market has become competitive. Since its entrance into Nigeria, many other local alternatives have sprung up and gained ground.
Globally, Uber has left multiple markets in Asia and Africa since 2009. This shows that Uber prioritizes profitability and strategic focus over geographic expansion across continents.
With a population of over 240 million people, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest ride-hailing markets. Hence, the departure would affect the many drivers who relied on the platform for income and riders who used it for daily mobility.
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