Global ride-hailing giant Uber has shut down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, bringing to a close 12 years of business in Africa’s most populous nation.
The company confirmed the decision in a statement, describing it as the outcome of a “thorough review” of its business priorities across the continent. Uber stressed that the exit is limited strictly to Nigeria and Uganda and will not affect its operations in other African markets, where it says it remains committed to long-term growth.
Uber said the move followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent, and clarified that the decision is specific to the two countries rather than a broader withdrawal from Sub-Saharan Africa. The company also dismissed any link between its Nigerian exit and a recent directive from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on e-hailing operations at the country’s airports. Techeconomy
Uber first launched in Lagos in 2014, becoming one of the pioneers of app-based ride-hailing in Nigeria. Uber operated both ride-hailing and delivery services in the country, and in 2017 disclosed nearly 300,000 riders and about 7,000 drivers on its Nigerian platform. It expanded into Uganda two years later. Condia
While core ride-hailing operations ceased immediately, the company’s Help Centre will remain accessible until September 23, 2026, to assist users and driver-partners with final account settlements, dispute resolutions, and outstanding balance closures. Businessday NG
The exit comes against the backdrop of mounting regulatory pressure on ride-hailing firms in Nigeria. In recent years, the Lagos State Government has tightened oversight of the sector, mandating real-time data sharing through direct API integrations, and in 2024 authorities publicly threatened sanctions against Uber over alleged compliance breaches. The company has also faced labour tensions with drivers in the country. Businessday NG
Nigeria’s departure follows a pattern of retrenchment for Uber on the continent — the company shut down operations in Tanzania in January 2026 after years of friction with regulators over fare controls and commission caps, and also exited Côte d’Ivoire late last year. Businessday NG
Uber said its immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members through the transition, though it has yet to provide full details on what happens to customers with unresolved balances or pending disputes on the platform.
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