Uber Shuts Down Operations in Nigeria and Uganda With Immediate Effect
Uber has shut down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, bringing its services in both African countries to an end with immediate effect.
The global mobility company announced the decision on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following what it described as a thorough review of its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa.
The decision ends Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria, where the company launched in Lagos in 2014 before expanding its services to other cities.
Uber said the withdrawal is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and does not affect its operations in other African markets.
Uber Confirms Nigeria and Uganda Exit
In a statement, Uber said it had made the difficult decision to wind down operations in the two countries.
The company explained that it is changing where it invests across Africa and focusing on markets where it believes it can provide earning opportunities for drivers at scale while giving riders reliable transportation.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said, according to reports.
The company added that it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa despite leaving the two markets.
Uber currently continues to operate in four African countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
End of a 12-Year Journey in Nigeria
Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, beginning its operations in Lagos at a time when app-based transportation was still relatively new in the country.
The platform quickly became an important part of the urban transportation system, particularly in Lagos and Abuja.
Its departure therefore represents a major change for thousands of riders and drivers who used the platform.
Uber did not immediately disclose how many Nigerian drivers, riders or employees would be affected by the shutdown.
The company said, however, that it would communicate with affected drivers, riders and employees during the transition.
Reuters reported that Uber’s customer help centre in Nigeria will remain available until September 23 to handle outstanding account-related issues.
Rising Costs and Competition
Although Uber described the decision as part of a broader review of its business priorities, the company’s Nigerian exit comes amid difficult conditions in the country’s ride-hailing industry.
Nigerian drivers have increasingly complained about rising fuel prices, operating costs and commissions charged by ride-hailing platforms.
The sector has also become increasingly competitive, with companies such as Bolt and other local platforms competing for drivers and passengers.
Inflation and currency instability have further increased the cost of running vehicles, putting pressure on the economics of app-based transportation.
However, Uber has not said that any single one of these factors was responsible for its decision.
Airport Dispute Not Responsible
Uber also clarified that its departure from Nigeria was not caused by a recent directive from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria concerning e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
The company specifically said its decision followed a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
That clarification comes after Uber’s airport operations had faced regulatory difficulties in Nigeria.
Reports about the airport dispute had raised questions about whether the disagreement played a role in the company’s decision to leave the country.
Uber rejected that connection.
Drivers and Riders Face Changes
The immediate shutdown means Uber riders in Nigeria and Uganda can no longer rely on the platform for new trips.
For drivers, the exit creates uncertainty over their next source of income.
Uber said it is supporting drivers and local employees through the transition. In Nigeria, the company has reportedly contacted active drivers and promised a token of appreciation as they move away from the platform.
The company also said rider support would remain available for 21 days after the shutdown.
Uber’s handling of customer data will continue to follow applicable privacy and data-protection requirements.
Another African Market Lost
The Nigeria and Uganda exits are part of a broader retreat from selected African markets.
Uber left Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 and Tanzania earlier in 2026.
The latest departures mean the company has reduced its African footprint considerably from the number of markets it previously served.
Despite that retreat, Uber insists that Africa remains strategically important.
The company says it sees long-term growth opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa and will concentrate its resources on markets where it believes its services can operate at greater scale.
For Nigeria, however, the announcement marks the end of an era.
After more than a decade of connecting riders with drivers, Uber has officially left Africa’s most populous country, forcing customers and drivers to adjust to a ride-hailing market without one of its most recognizable international brands.
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