BREAKING: UBER SHUTS DOWN NIGERIAN OPERATIONS AFTER 12 YEARS
BREAKING: UBER SHUTS DOWN NIGERIAN OPERATIONS AFTER 12 YEARS
Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially exited Nigeria, bringing an end to more than a decade of operations in the country.
Uber announced that it is winding down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following what it described as a thorough review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
The development marks a major moment for Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, with Uber having become a familiar part of urban transportation, particularly in Lagos, since launching its service in the city in 2014.
In a message to Nigerian riders, Uber expressed appreciation to customers who had relied on the platform for daily commuting, trips to meet family and friends, business engagements and movement around the city.
The company acknowledged that its departure could disrupt the routines of riders and drivers who have depended on the platform.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said.
Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.
Why is Uber leaving Nigeria?
According to the company, the decision followed a review of its “evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent.”
Uber stressed that its decision was specifically about Nigeria and Uganda and should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from the wider African market.
The company said it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it continues to see strong growth and long-term opportunities.
Uber also clarified that its Nigerian exit was not caused by the recent directive from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
What happens to drivers and riders?
Uber said it is communicating directly with affected drivers, riders and employees to support them during the transition.
The exact number of drivers, riders and employees affected by the shutdown was not immediately disclosed.
The exit comes at a difficult time for Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, which has faced rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, inflation and disputes over driver earnings and fares.
Uber’s departure is therefore expected to reshape competition in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving e-hailing market, with operators such as Bolt, inDrive and other local platforms remaining important players.
For many Nigerians, however, the announcement represents more than the closure of an app.
It marks the end of an era that began in Lagos in 2014, when Uber introduced a new model of urban transportation that changed how millions of Nigerians booked and paid for rides.
After 12 years, the familiar Uber option is disappearing from Nigeria.
