Uber has ended its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, bringing its ride-hailing service in the country to a close on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as the global company reshapes its investment priorities across Africa.
Uber announced the decision alongside its withdrawal from Uganda, saying the move followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent. The company said the decision applies only to Nigeria and Uganda and does not affect its operations in other African markets.
Uber said it remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa, where it sees continued growth and long-term opportunities. The company said it would concentrate investment on markets where it believes it can create the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale while allowing riders to move around seamlessly.
The company also clarified that its decision to leave Nigeria was not related to the recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at airports.
FAAN had directed airport managers in July to stop Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing operators from conducting commercial activities at airports managed by the authority while licensing arrangements were being finalised. The directive later triggered concerns over transport costs for passengers and was followed by intervention from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
Uber’s departure nevertheless comes at a challenging period for Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. Operators have had to contend with higher operating costs, competition and changing economics for both drivers and platforms. But Uber has not publicly identified any of those factors as the specific reason for its decision to leave Nigeria.
The company said it has begun communicating with affected drivers, riders and local employees to support them through the transition. Uber did not disclose the number of drivers, riders or employees directly affected by the withdrawal.
For riders, Uber said customer support would remain available for 21 days after the discontinuation of its Nigerian operations to handle outstanding questions and transition-related matters. The company also confirmed that its Uber for Business services in Nigeria would be discontinued.
Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, beginning in Lagos before expanding to other cities, including Abuja in 2016. Its exit marks the end of one of the most prominent international technology platforms operating in Nigeria’s app-based transport market.
The departure also leaves competitors and local operators with an opportunity to capture riders and drivers previously using the platform. For Nigeria’s technology and mobility sector, however, the bigger question is whether international platforms can build sustainable businesses at scale in a market where operating conditions and competitive dynamics can change quickly.
Uber’s decision therefore represents more than the departure of a ride-hailing company. It is another test of the economics of running a global consumer platform in Nigeria, particularly as international companies reassess where to deploy capital and where they can achieve sufficient scale.
For now, Uber says its wider African strategy remains intact, with the company retaining operations in other markets across the continent.
