Global ride-hailing company Uber has ended its operations in Nigeria after 12 years in the country.
The company announced that it would wind down its Nigerian and Ugandan operations effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa.
In a statement to users, Uber said it had taken the decision after a “thorough review” of its business and apologised for the disruption the move may cause riders.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said.
Uber stressed that the decision was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its operations in other African markets.
The company said it remained committed to Sub-Saharan Africa and would continue to invest in markets where it believes it can create the most value for drivers and riders.
Uber also said it was prioritising support for drivers, riders and employees affected by the shutdown. Active drivers were contacted as part of the transition, while affected employees were to receive details of the arrangements applicable to them.
The company’s Uber for Business service in Nigeria will also be discontinued, with the company engaging its business partners on the transition.
Uber further disclosed that its Help Centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist users with outstanding account-related enquiries.
The company said users’ personal data would continue to be handled in line with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and its data protection policies.
Uber’s exit comes weeks after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directed airport managers to stop Uber and Bolt from operating commercially at airports managed by the agency pending the finalisation of licence agreements.
However, Uber said its decision to leave Nigeria was not related to the FAAN directive and was instead based on its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber launched its services in Lagos in 2014 before expanding to Abuja in 2016. Its arrival helped establish app-based ride-hailing as a major part of urban transportation in Nigeria.
Its departure now leaves competitors such as Bolt and inDrive positioned to compete for Uber’s former riders and drivers in the Nigerian market.
