Ride-hailing company Uber is closing shop in Nigeria and Uganda, with the exit taking effect on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Uber said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business in the two markets, but did not provide specific reasons such as regulatory challenges, financial performance or operational costs for the withdrawal.
The company said the decision is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and does not affect its operations in other African markets.
“We are writing to share some difficult news. 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 in a statement.
Uber entered the Nigerian market in 2014, beginning operations in Lagos at a time when app-based ride-hailing was still emerging as an alternative to conventional urban transportation.
The company subsequently expanded beyond Lagos. By 2016, Uber had extended its service to Abuja, with the company describing the capital as the 400th city globally to gain access to its platform.
Its Nigerian footprint later expanded to additional cities, including Benin City, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Warri, Uyo and Owerri.
Uber’s arrival helped accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s app-based transportation sector, connecting riders with independent drivers through its digital platform.
The company also introduced services tailored to different segments of the market, including lower-cost and motorcycle options in selected locations.
In 2016, two years after its Nigerian launch, Uber said it had facilitated more than one million trips in Lagos. It also reported that its platform had connected thousands of people and covered about nine million kilometres in the country by that point.
Also Read: Lapai Emirate approves transport fare reduction
Uber’s departure comes after years of positioning its Nigerian operations as a source of economic opportunities for drivers and other participants in the local transport ecosystem.
According to an economic impact report commissioned by Uber, the company’s platform contributed an estimated ₦34 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023, while drivers using the platform earned an estimated additional ₦6.1 billion that year compared with what they might have earned through alternative opportunities.
Uber has also said its platform created economic opportunities for more than 10,000 drivers and expanded its services to multiple Nigerian cities.
However, the ride-hailing sector has also faced persistent challenges, including rising vehicle operating costs, fuel prices, regulatory requirements and disputes over fares and commissions. Nigerian drivers have previously raised concerns about earnings and operating conditions within the sector.
While Uber did not disclose detailed reasons for the withdrawal, it apologized to customers for the disruption the decision could cause.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers,” the company said.
The company acknowledged that riders had relied on the platform for everyday journeys, including commuting to work, visiting family and friends and moving around the city.
“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” Uber said. Uber added that it would support drivers, riders and its local team members during the transition.
Uber’s exit represents a major change in Nigeria’s ride-hailing landscape after more than a decade of operation. Its entry helped popularize app-based transportation among urban commuters and contributed to a broader shift towards digitally mediated mobility services.
The company’s withdrawal is also likely to reshape competition among the remaining ride-hailing platforms, particularly in major cities where app-based transport has become an important part of daily commuting.
For riders and drivers who have relied on Uber, the immediate issue will be adjusting to alternative platforms and transportation arrangements following the September 2 shutdown.
Crediblenewsng.com
