Ride-hailing giant Uber has announced it will cease operations in Nigeria effective today 2 September 2026, ending a 12-year presence in one of Africa’s largest transport markets .
The US-based company, which launched in Lagos in 2014 before expanding to Abuja, said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa . The exit also affects Uganda, though Uber said it remains committed to other African markets .
Uber described the move as “difficult,” acknowledging the disruption to customers who have relied on the platform for daily commutes and city travel . The company’s Help Centre will remain open until September 23 to assist with final account queries .
Industry observers point to mounting economic pressures behind the exit. Rising fuel costs, inflation, currency volatility, and driver protests over low fares and high commissions have made it increasingly difficult to balance affordable rider prices with sustainable driver earnings . In March, drivers across major platforms staged a three-day shutdown in Lagos over these grievances .
Uber said it will provide a one-off goodwill payment to help affected drivers transition . Meanwhile, competitors such as Bolt and inDrive stand to gain from Uber’s departure, though the same cost pressures that forced Uber out remain across the industry .
The exit comes weeks after controversy over e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports, though Uber insisted the decision was unrelated to that dispute .
