BREAKING: Uber Shuts Down Operations in Nigeria

Uber has announced the immediate closure of its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, bringing an end to the company’s 12-year presence in one of Africa’s largest and most important transportation markets.

The global mobility company said it will wind down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Uber disclosed the decision in a statement shared with Nairametrics on Wednesday.

The company said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its operations and business priorities. It also stressed that the move is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and will not affect its services in other African markets.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said.

Uber first entered the Nigerian market in 2014, beginning its operations in Lagos. The company later expanded to Abuja and several other cities as demand for app-based transportation increased across the country.

Its arrival changed the way many Nigerians accessed private transportation. Instead of stopping a taxi on the road or relying on traditional transport operators, passengers could request a ride through an app, see the driver’s details and track the journey.

The company also introduced different categories of services over the years to meet the needs of customers across various income levels.

Uber’s expansion in Nigeria was not limited to Lagos and Abuja. Its services eventually reached cities including Benin City, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Warri, Uyo and Owerri.

The company also introduced products such as Uber Go, Uber Package and Uber Moto at different points in its Nigerian operations.

In 2016, Uber said it had already facilitated more than one million trips in Lagos, two years after launching in the city.

At the time, the company said it had connected thousands of people through its platform and created economic opportunities for drivers.

The industry has also faced regulatory and operational challenges over the years.

Ride-hailing companies have had to operate within different transportation rules across Nigerian states, particularly in Lagos, where authorities have introduced requirements for e-hailing operators and their drivers.

Airport operations have also recently attracted attention.

In August 2026, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria clarified its position on the operation of e-hailing companies at Nigerian airports.

FAAN said its concern was centred on safety, security and proper coordination of commercial transportation activities within airport premises, rather than restricting passengers from accessing e-hailing services.

Uber’s departure from Nigeria now creates a significant opening for competing platforms in the market.

Uber

However, Uber exit will therefore affect more than just passengers who have relied on the platform for daily transportation.

Thousands of driver-partners have used Uber to generate income, either as their main source of earnings or as a flexible way to supplement other jobs and businesses.

The company acknowledged the impact of the decision, saying its immediate focus would be on those affected by the shutdown.

Uber said its “immediate priority is to support drivers, riders and local team members through the transition.”

The company has not, in the statement available so far, provided extensive details on the specific arrangements being made for drivers, employees and other partners affected by the closure.

It is also not yet clear what will happen to customers who still have funds or unresolved matters connected to their Uber accounts as the company begins the wind-down process.

Nonetheless, more details are expected from the company on the transition arrangements for riders, drivers and employees affected by the decision.

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