Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has attributed Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria partly to the expansion of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Speaking on Channels Television, Omokri argued that the development of rail transportation, particularly in Lagos, had created cheaper alternatives for commuters and affected the ride-hailing company’s business model.
He specifically cited the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line rail services, saying commuters could now travel between major points at a lower cost than using ride-hailing services. He also noted the development of the Abuja rail connection to the airport.
According to Omokri, the expansion of public transportation infrastructure had made it increasingly difficult for Uber to compete on price with other means of transportation.
His comments followed Uber’s announcement that it would cease operations in Nigeria after 12 years. The company said its Nigerian operations would end on September 2, 2026, following a review of its business, but did not give a specific reason for the decision.
Omokri argued that Uber’s exit should therefore not necessarily be interpreted as a sign of deteriorating business conditions in Nigeria, but could also be viewed in the context of improvements in public infrastructure.
However, Uber has not publicly confirmed that competition from Nigeria’s rail infrastructure was responsible for its departure. Its announcement cited a review of the business without providing specific details on the factors behind the decision.
Uber had operated in Nigeria for 12 years, beginning its services in Lagos before expanding to other Nigerian cities. Its exit came alongside its withdrawal from Uganda, amid broader changes in the company’s African operations.
