Uber Exits Nigeria After 12 Years

Uber has ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria after 12 years, exiting one of Africa’s largest e-hailing markets.

The company’s Nigerian service ceased on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, alongside its ride-hailing operations in Uganda.

Uber attributed the decision to changing business priorities and investment strategy, stressing that the move does not amount to a withdrawal from sub-Saharan Africa.

The company entered Nigeria in 2014, starting in Lagos before expanding to other cities. Its platform became a major force in the growth of app-based transportation across the country.

The exit comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of e-hailing services. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) recently introduced measures affecting ride-hailing operations at airports, including Uber and Bolt.

READ ALSO: Uber, Bolt Not Banned At Airports — FAAN

Uber, however, said the FAAN measures were not responsible for its decision, citing its broader business priorities instead.

The move follows Uber’s withdrawal from Tanzania on January 30, 2026, after prolonged regulatory disagreements over issues including fares and commissions.

It also coincides with a global restructuring by Uber. On September 2, the company announced plans to cut about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its workforce, as it streamlines operations and reallocates resources.

Nigeria has previously seen international e-hailing operators leave the market. SafeBoda, which launched locally in 2020, exited in December 2022, shifting its focus to Uganda after struggling to achieve sustainable returns.

Uber’s departure leaves rival platforms competing for its riders and drivers, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s evolving urban mobility market.

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