Uber shuts down Nigerian operations after 12 years
Global ride-hailing giant Uber has officially ceased operations in Nigeria, ending its 12-year presence in the country effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The tech company confirmed the decision in an official statement, citing a comprehensive internal review of its business model and local market conditions. Uber extended its appreciation to Nigerian riders and drivers who relied on the platform since its launch in Lagos back in 2014.
"The company made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, saying it had decided to wind down its Nigerian operations effective September 2, 2026, following a thorough review of its business," the release stated.
To manage the sudden exit, Uber acknowledged the disruption to daily commuters and confirmed its Help Centre will stay active through September 23 to handle final account inquiries and customer support.
Uber entered the West African market in 2014, pioneering the ride-hailing app model in Lagos before expanding to major urban centers like Abuja and Port Harcourt. Over the past few years, however, foreign mobility platforms in Nigeria have faced heavy macroeconomic headwinds, including soaring fuel prices following subsidy removals, high inflation, currency devaluation, and fierce competition from rival platforms like Bolt and InDrive.