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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The exit comes amid growing difficulties in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. Rising operating costs, inflation and expensive fuel have made it harder for ride-hailing companies and drivers to make sustainable profits. There have also been repeated disagreements between drivers and platforms over commissions, with drivers complaining that a significant portion of their earnings goes to the companies.
Uber’s departure also highlights the difficulties facing local ride-hailing companies. Bolt remains a major foreign competitor in Nigeria, while several Nigerian-owned platforms, including Oga Taxi, Smart Ride and HerRyde, have reportedly closed down in recent years. Local operators have struggled with high vehicle and maintenance costs, regulatory pressures and competition from better-funded international platforms.
For drivers, the situation remains difficult because fuel, vehicle repairs and other daily expenses continue to rise. Some drivers have also complained about platform commissions reportedly ranging from 25 per cent to 33 per cent, as well as changes to fees connected to vehicle-financing arrangements. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) is now considering driver-owned local platforms that could use fairer payment models and give drivers greater control over their earnings.
READ ALSO:
- Funke Akindele’s ‘The Four’ Sells Out London Premiere Ahead Of December Cinema Release
- Abiodun’s Ogun ranks 31st of 35 states in BudgIT fiscal report as Lagos leads
- NPA Calls For Private Investment As Lekki Deep Sea Port Reaches Full Capacity
- Two Killed, 20 Abducted As Bandits Attack Kaduna Community
- Tinubu Orders Release Of Over 300 Stranded Power Equipment Containers
