Uber has ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria after 12 years, with the company discontinuing its services in the country effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The global ride-hailing company announced the decision to drivers and customers, saying it followed a “thorough review” of its business and a reassessment of its priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber initially launched in Lagos in 2014 before expanding its services to other Nigerian cities. Its departure brings an end to more than a decade of operations in one of Africa’s largest and most competitive ride-hailing markets.
In a message to drivers, the company said they would no longer receive rider trip requests through the Uber application from the effective date.
“We have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said.
The company described the decision as difficult and thanked drivers for their contribution to its Nigerian operations.
“For years, your commitment to your riders has kept this city moving safely and affordably,” it said.
The transport logistics said its platform had served as a technology link between passengers and independent drivers, expressing pride in the impact it had made in Nigeria.
The company, however, initially gave little detail about the specific circumstances behind the withdrawal.
A subsequent statement clarified that the decision was part of a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
The company said the withdrawal was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its operations in its other African markets.
The company also clarified that its exit was not caused by the recent Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria directive affecting commercial e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
FAAN had on July 30 directed managers of its airports to stop Uber and Bolt from operating commercially at airports pending the finalisation of licensing arrangements.
Uber’s departure also comes amid broader changes within the company, including a global restructuring and workforce reduction.
The Nigerian exit is expected to reshape competition in the country’s ride-hailing market, leaving existing operators to compete for drivers, riders and corporate customers previously using Uber.
For drivers, the shutdown means the immediate loss of access to the Uber platform for trip requests. The company said it had been communicating with affected drivers and riders as part of the transition.
Uber’s Help Centre will remain available for a limited period to assist customers with outstanding account-related issues.
The exit marks a significant change in Nigeria’s urban transport landscape, where app-based ride-hailing has become an established part of daily mobility since Uber’s arrival in Lagos in 2014.
