Global ride-hailing company, Uber, has announced the discontinuation of its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, bringing an end to its presence in one of Africa’s largest and most competitive transport markets.
Uber said its Nigerian operations would cease effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following what it described as a thorough review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
The company, which launched in Lagos in 2014 before expanding its services to other Nigerian cities, said the decision was difficult but was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its operations in other African markets.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria,” the company said in a message to users and drivers.
Uber, however, did not provide specific details about the financial performance of its Nigerian business or identify particular local factors as the direct cause of the withdrawal.
The decision comes amid significant changes and pressures in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, including intense competition, rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs, inflation, currency volatility and recurring disagreements over fares and driver commissions.
These factors have increased operating pressures across the sector.
Uber’s exit also comes weeks after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directed airport managers to stop commercial operations by Uber and other e-hailing platforms at FAAN-managed airports pending the conclusion of licensing arrangements.
However, Uber has expressly rejected suggestions that the airport dispute was responsible for its withdrawal from Nigeria.
The company said its decision was based on its “evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa” and was unrelated to the FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
The exit is expected to have a significant impact on Nigerian riders and drivers who relied on the platform for transportation and income opportunities.
Uber said it was communicating with affected drivers, riders and local team members as part of the transition process.
The company’s Help Centre will remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist customers with outstanding account-related enquiries.
Uber’s departure marks the end of a 12-year journey that began in Lagos in 2014 and played a major role in transforming urban transportation in Nigeria by popularising app-based ride-hailing.
Its exit could also create new opportunities for rival operators to attract Uber’s customers and drivers, potentially reshaping competition within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving e-hailing market.
Despite its withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda, Uber said the decision does not affect its wider operations across Africa and that it remains active in other markets on the continent.
