Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years, ends ride-hailing operations

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Global ride-hailing company Uber has exited the Nigerian market after 12 years of operations, ending its services in the country on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its business.

The San Francisco-based company announced the decision in messages to drivers and customers, saying it had taken the “tough decision” to wind down its Nigerian operations effective September 2.

“For years, your commitment to your riders has kept this city moving safely and affordably,” Uber told its driver-partners, thanking them for their contributions to the company’s journey in Nigeria.

From the effective date, drivers will no longer receive rider trip requests through the Uber app, bringing to an end the company’s operations in a market it entered in 2014 with its launch in Lagos before expanding to other Nigerian cities.

Uber did not disclose specific reasons for its withdrawal, saying only that the decision followed a thorough review of its business. Reuters reported that Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has become increasingly competitive, while rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility have increased operating expenses and put pressure on drivers and platforms.

The company’s departure comes against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving Nigerian ride-hailing industry, where app-based transportation has become an important part of urban mobility and provided income opportunities for thousands of driver-partners.

Uber acknowledged the impact of its departure on its users and drivers, expressing appreciation for their role in building its Nigerian operations.

The company said it was proud of the platform’s impact in Nigeria, describing its service as a technology bridge connecting riders with independent transportation providers.

Uber’s exit also follows recent regulatory attention surrounding e-hailing services at Nigerian airports. However, the company has clarified that its decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria is unrelated to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s directive concerning e-hailing operations at airports.

The company’s withdrawal from Nigeria is part of a wider retreat from selected African markets. Uber is also ending operations in Uganda, while continuing to operate in other African markets.

For drivers and customers, the immediate focus is now on the transition. Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist users with outstanding account-related issues.

The company has not disclosed how many drivers, riders or local employees will be affected by the shutdown, nor has it provided details on the fate of its Nigerian assets.

Uber’s exit leaves Nigeria’s increasingly competitive ride-hailing market to existing and emerging operators, while raising fresh questions about the operating environment, costs and sustainability of app-based mobility businesses in the country.

After more than a decade of connecting Nigerians with on-demand transportation, Uber’s departure marks a significant shift in the country’s urban mobility landscape.