LAGOS, Nigeria — Ride-hailing company Uber will discontinue its operations in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, 2026, ending nearly 12 years of operations in Nigeria as the company reshapes its investment priorities across Africa.
Uber described the decision as a difficult one and said it followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus on the continent.
The company confirmed the decision after reports began circulating on social media that it was preparing to leave the Nigerian market.
“Uber today announced its decision to discontinue operations for Nigeria and Uganda from 2 September 2026, as part of a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa,” the company said.
Uber said the decision applies specifically to Nigeria and Uganda and will not affect its operations in other African markets.
Uber explains Nigeria exit
Uber said it reached the decision after carefully reviewing where it could create the greatest value for drivers and riders across the continent.
“After careful consideration, we made the difficult decision to discontinue operations for Nigeria and Uganda as part of our evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent,” the company said.
The ride-hailing firm said it intends to concentrate its investments on markets where it believes it can provide greater opportunities for drivers to earn income at scale while maintaining reliable transport options for passengers.
“We remain committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity,” Uber said.
The company said its strategy would focus on markets where it could provide drivers with earning opportunities and enable riders to travel conveniently.
Customers receive shutdown notices
Some Uber customers in Nigeria have already received emails informing them about the planned closure.
Uber said its Help Centre will remain available until September 24, 2026, to assist customers with questions and other matters related to the shutdown.
The company has also said it will communicate directly with affected employees, drivers and riders about the implications of the decision.
“We are continuing to engage directly and responsibly with affected employees, drivers and riders about what this means for them,” Uber said.
It added that affected employees would receive support during the transition and that details of applicable arrangements would be communicated directly to them.
Uber has operated in Nigeria since 2014
Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, expanding its ride-hailing services over the years as it sought to establish itself in one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.
The company later diversified beyond conventional car trips.
In 2019, Uber launched a boat service in Lagos, positioning the service as an alternative transport option aimed partly at helping commuters navigate the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
The Nigerian market has nevertheless remained challenging for ride-hailing companies.
Drivers have staged protests in recent years over rising operating costs, fares and working conditions, while driver representatives have pushed for higher fares, lower commission charges and improved protections.
The challenges have added to the pressures facing ride-hailing platforms as they attempt to balance affordable fares for passengers with sustainable earnings for drivers.
Exit not linked to airport directive
Uber also clarified that its decision to leave Nigeria is not related to a recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
The company said the decision was instead driven by its broader business priorities and how it intends to allocate investment across African markets.
This distinction is significant because airport access and operating arrangements have been an area of regulatory attention for ride-hailing companies in Nigeria.
Uber’s departure will therefore come despite the company continuing to assess opportunities in other markets across Sub-Saharan Africa.
What happens to Uber drivers and employees?
Uber has not disclosed the total number of drivers, employees or business partners who will be affected by the Nigerian shutdown.
The company said it is engaging with affected workers and drivers to explain the transition and the arrangements that will apply to them.
“We remain committed to supporting affected employees through the transition and will communicate directly with them regarding the arrangements that apply to them,” Uber said.
For drivers who depend on the platform for income, the shutdown is expected to create uncertainty over alternative earning opportunities.
Uber’s decision will also affect riders who have used the platform for nearly 12 years, particularly in major urban centres where app-based ride-hailing has become an important part of the transport system.
