By Elvira Jordan
Ride-hailing giant Uber has ended its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, bringing to a close the company’s presence in one of Africa’s largest and most competitive transportation markets.
The company’s withdrawal took effect on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following what it described as a “thorough review” of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber first launched in Lagos in 2014 before expanding its services to other Nigerian cities, including Abuja in 2016. Its entry helped accelerate the adoption of app-based transportation in the country and transformed how many Nigerians accessed taxis and other private transport services.
In a message to its drivers, Uber confirmed that rider trip requests would no longer be available through its application from September 2.
The company thanked its drivers and customers for their contribution to its 12-year journey in Nigeria, while acknowledging the impact of the decision on those who depended on the platform for their livelihoods.
Uber, however, did not give a specific financial or operational reason for leaving Nigeria. Instead, it said the decision was driven by its evolving business priorities and investment strategy across Africa. The company stressed that its withdrawal was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and did not represent an exit from the wider sub-Saharan African market.
Economic pressures and rising competition
Uber’s exit comes at a challenging period for Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, with operators facing rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs, inflation, currency volatility and increasing pressure on fares and driver earnings.
The Nigerian market has also become increasingly competitive, with platforms such as Bolt and inDrive fighting for passengers and drivers. Bolt entered Nigeria in 2016, two years after Uber, while inDrive has differentiated itself through a model that allows passengers and drivers to negotiate fares.
Industry observers have therefore linked Uber’s decision to the difficult economics of operating a ride-hailing business in Nigeria, although the company itself has not identified those factors as the official reason for its departure.
After 12 years, Uber’s departure marks a significant turning point for Nigeria’s digital mobility sector. The company that helped popularise app-based ride-hailing in the country is now leaving behind a market shaped by intense competition, rising operating costs and changing consumer expectations.
Uber’s exit is also its latest withdrawal from the African market, following its departure from Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 and Tanzania in January 2026.
