Global ride-hailing company Uber has officially ended its operations in Nigeria, bringing its 12-year presence in the country to an end.
The company announced that its Nigerian operations would cease on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa. Uber also announced its withdrawal from Uganda on the same day.
Uber first launched its service in Lagos in 2014, becoming one of the companies that helped transform urban transportation in Nigeria through app-based ride-hailing. Over the years, the service expanded beyond Lagos and became a familiar option for commuters looking for convenient transportation.
In a message sent to customers, Uber described the decision to leave Nigeria as difficult and thanked Nigerians for using the platform since its launch.
The company said the decision followed a thorough review of its business and was linked to its changing priorities and investment strategy. Uber did not give a detailed explanation of the specific financial or operational factors behind its Nigerian exit.
The withdrawal comes at a time when Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry has become increasingly competitive. Several local and international platforms have expanded their services, giving passengers more alternatives for booking rides.
For thousands of drivers who relied on Uber to connect with passengers, the shutdown could create uncertainty over their next source of income. Many drivers operate across multiple platforms, meaning some may be able to move their activities to competing services.
Passengers are also expected to feel the impact, particularly those who regularly depended on Uber for daily commuting, airport trips, business appointments and other journeys.
Uber said it would support drivers, riders and local team members during the transition. The company also confirmed that its customer help centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, allowing customers to resolve outstanding account-related issues.
The company has stressed that its decision is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and does not represent a complete withdrawal from Africa.
Uber said it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it continues to see opportunities for growth. Following the latest exits, the company continues to operate in several African markets, including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
The Nigerian exit is also happening alongside a major restructuring at Uber globally. The company is cutting approximately 3,300 jobs, representing around 10 per cent of its workforce, as it seeks to reduce management layers and redirect resources towards areas it considers strategically important.
A major part of Uber’s future strategy involves technology and autonomous transportation. The company has been increasing its focus on autonomous vehicles and other technologies that could reshape the transportation industry.
Uber’s departure from Nigeria therefore represents more than the closure of a local ride-hailing operation. It also reflects broader changes taking place within the global mobility industry, where companies are reassessing markets, costs, technology and long-term investment priorities.
For Nigeria, the development could further reshape the country’s rapidly growing digital transportation sector.
Competitors are likely to see an opportunity to attract Uber’s former drivers and customers. However, they will also face the challenge of meeting the expectations of passengers who have become accustomed to app-based booking, digital payments, driver tracking and other features associated with modern ride-hailing services.
The development has generated reactions among Nigerians, particularly among people who have used Uber since its early years in Lagos. For many users, the platform became part of everyday urban life, especially in major cities where traffic, parking difficulties and public transport challenges make ride-hailing attractive.
Uber’s 12-year journey in Nigeria has therefore come to an end, but the competition within the country’s transportation technology sector is expected to continue.
As drivers and passengers adjust to the change, other ride-hailing companies will now compete for a larger share of Nigeria’s huge transportation market.
