Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced the end of its operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026, after 12 years in the country.
The company disclosed the decision in a message sent to customers and drivers on Wednesday, explaining that the move followed a review of its business priorities and investment focus.
Uber entered the Nigerian market in Lagos in 2014 and subsequently became one of the country’s most prominent app-based transportation platforms, connecting millions of riders with independent drivers.
Announcing its departure, the company described the decision as difficult and thanked Nigerians for embracing the platform throughout its years of operation.
Uber acknowledged that the shutdown could disrupt the daily routines of customers who had come to depend on the service for commuting, business trips, airport transfers and other transportation needs.
The company said users would no longer be able to access its ride-hailing services in Nigeria from September 2.
Its Help Centre will, however, remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist customers with outstanding account-related enquiries.
Uber said the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa. The company is also withdrawing from Uganda, while maintaining operations in other African markets.
The company further clarified that its departure from Nigeria was not connected to recent discussions surrounding the operations of e-hailing platforms at Nigerian airports.
Uber’s exit comes at a significant moment for Nigeria’s rapidly evolving ride-hailing industry, where operators compete for drivers and passengers amid rising operating costs, inflation, fuel prices and other economic pressures.
The development is expected to alter the competitive landscape, potentially creating additional market opportunities for rival ride-hailing platforms and indigenous operators.
Separately, Uber announced on Wednesday that it would reduce its global workforce by about 10 per cent as part of broader organisational restructuring aimed at simplifying its operations, reducing management layers and accelerating decision-making.
Uber, founded in 2009, has grown into one of the world’s largest technology-driven transportation companies, with operations spanning thousands of cities globally.
Its departure brings an end to a 12-year presence that helped reshape urban transportation in Nigeria and accelerate the adoption of app-based ride-hailing services in the country.
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