Uber exits Nigeria, Uganda after 12 years, operations to end September 2

Uber Technologies Inc. will discontinue operations in Nigeria and Uganda from Wednesday, September 2, 2026, ending a 12-year presence in Nigeria. The ride-hailing company said the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.

An Uber spokesperson disclosed the decision in an email to The PUNCH. The withdrawal is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and will not affect Uber's operations in other African markets.

Why Uber is leaving

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the spokesperson said. “Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.”

Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, launching first in Lagos and later expanding to Abuja in 2016. That launch marked the start of ride-hailing in a market where app-based trips were still new, and Uber quickly became one of the notable players in Nigeria's urban transport scene.

The company said it was shifting investment towards markets where it believes it can create the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale and enabling riders to travel seamlessly.

Support for drivers, riders and business clients

Uber said its immediate priority was to support drivers, riders and employees affected by the withdrawal. The company has begun communicating with active drivers and said it would provide them with a token of appreciation during the transition. Employees affected by the decision will receive further information on arrangements applicable to them.

The exit will also extend to Uber for Business in Nigeria. The company said it was engaging business partners on the transition. Rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations cease to address outstanding queries and transition-related issues.

Uber also said data belonging to riders would continue to be handled in accordance with applicable data-protection laws and its privacy policies after the shutdown.

No link to FAAN directive

Uber dismissed any link between its Nigerian exit and a recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports. The company said the decision was made following its review of business priorities and investment focus and was unrelated to the FAAN directive.

The departure leaves drivers and riders to adjust to a market that has become increasingly competitive, with local and international operators competing for passengers and drivers. It also marks a retreat from two African markets as Uber concentrates its resources on locations where it sees greater potential to operate at scale.