Uber Exits Nigeria and Uganda After Years of Operations

Uber Technologies has officially ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, citing a strategic review of its global business.

The U.S.-based ride-hailing company announced on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that it had taken the “difficult decision” to wind down its operations in both markets with immediate effect.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said in a statement.

The company stressed that the decision was limited to the two countries and would not affect its remaining operations elsewhere in Africa.

Uber launched in Lagos in 2014, marking the beginning of its 12-year presence in Nigeria, while its service in Kampala began in 2016. The exits come as the company undertakes a broader restructuring that includes plans to cut about 3,300 corporate jobs globally, representing roughly 10 per cent of its workforce.

Uber’s withdrawal from Nigeria comes amid challenging economic conditions, including rising fuel costs, intense competition from rival platforms and concerns among drivers over fares and commission rates.

The company had built a strong presence in Nigeria, partly on its reputation for safety, particularly among passengers who frequently travel at night. Nigeria’s ride-hailing market was estimated at $450 million last year.

Following the shutdown, Uber said customer support would remain available for a limited period to address outstanding issues. The company also said active drivers would receive a “token of appreciation” as they transition away from the platform.

The development will also affect drivers who obtained vehicles through Moove, a mobility-financing company backed by Uber. Such drivers will remain responsible for repaying their vehicle loans.

However, Moove has lifted an exclusivity requirement that previously restricted some financed drivers to Uber’s platform. They can now work with competing services, including Bolt and inDrive, while continuing to repay their loans.

Uber’s departure marks its third and fourth exits from African markets in less than two years, following its withdrawal from Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania.

The company now retains operations in just four African markets — Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

The exit has sparked renewed concerns about Nigeria’s business environment, with analysts and industry stakeholders viewing the development as another indication of the pressures facing multinational companies operating in the country.