Uber has announced the end of its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria after 12 years, closing one of the most recognizable chapters in the country’s digital mobility sector as the company restructures parts of its global business.
The company said it would wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, 2026, following a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber stressed that the decision was limited to the two countries and did not represent a broader withdrawal from the continent.
The company said its immediate priority was to support drivers, riders, employees and business partners affected by the transition.
Uber launched in Nigeria in 2014 and was among the first major international ride-hailing companies to establish a large-scale presence in the country.
Its arrival helped reshape urban transport in cities such as Lagos and Abuja and accelerated the adoption of app-based transportation services.
Competition intensified after Bolt, formerly Taxify, entered the Nigerian market and pursued growth through lower fares and more flexible participation requirements.
Other platforms, including inDrive, later expanded the competitive landscape by introducing fare-negotiation models and alternatives that appealed to price-sensitive passengers and drivers.
Uber responded with lower-cost products, including Uber Go, as it sought to adapt to a market increasingly defined by price competition.
Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment also became more challenging for the sector.
The sharp depreciation of the naira increased vehicle acquisition and financing costs, while rising inflation weakened household purchasing power.
The removal of petrol subsidy and the increase in fuel prices also forced ride-hailing operators to raise fares, reducing affordability for many users.
At the same time, drivers increasingly operated across multiple platforms in search of better earnings and incentives.
Uber said its exit was unrelated to the recent Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria directive affecting e-hailing operations at airports.
The company said the withdrawal followed a broader review of investment priorities.
Uber for Business services in Nigeria will also be discontinued.
The company said support channels would remain available for 21 days to deal with outstanding rider and driver issues.
It added that personal data would continue to be handled in line with applicable privacy laws and its own data-retention policies.
The Nigerian exit comes as Uber undertakes a broader global restructuring that has reportedly affected about 3,300 employees.
The changes are expected to reduce some teams, flatten management structures and cut back on remote-working arrangements.
For Nigeria’s ride-hailing market, Uber’s departure leaves competitors with a larger share of a sector that remains substantial but increasingly sensitive to fuel costs, vehicle prices and household incomes.
