Global ride-hailing company, Uber has announced plans to exit Nigeria and Uganda effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after 12 years of operation in the most populous African country and 10 years in the East African country.
The company said it arrived at the decision following a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Uber clarified that it is focusing its investments on markets where it can “add the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale and enabling riders to go anywhere seamlessly.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the mobility startup maintained that the decision is specific to Nigeria and Uganda and does not affect its operations in other African markets.
The company said it will support riders and driver-partners in both markets through the transition phase.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026, a statement from Uber’s spokesperson reads. “This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent. Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition. Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.”
Uber clarified that its decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria is not related to the recent Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directive on e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
It assured the affected drivers that it will continue to communicate arrangements it has made with those affected by this decision. Whether this communication involves monetary compensation or not, the company didn’t state.
The company acknowledged that its departure could disrupt the routines of customers and apologised for the inconvenience.
“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” the company said.
Uber said rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations are discontinued to assist with outstanding queries and transition-related matters.
The company added that rider data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and Uber’s data protection policies.
“Uber will limit data retention to what is legally required, maintain appropriate security controls, and fulfill ongoing legal obligations and data requests,” the company said.
The company in February this year, exited East African country, Tanzania. Meanwhile, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa are the four African markets where Uber remains operational.
“Thank you for welcoming us into your city,” Uber said.
Issues in Nigeria
Uber’s operations in Nigeria had faced several challenges over the years, particularly disputes with drivers over fare rates, commission charges and what operators described as poor treatment by ride-hailing companies.
Drivers protested against Uber’s policies in 2017, while similar industrial actions involving Uber and other ride-hailing platforms were recorded in 2023 and 2025 over concerns about low fares and commission rates.
The company’s exit marks the end of a 12-year presence in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital transportation sector.
Uber, which was founded in 2009 and expanded rapidly across global markets, has exited about 14 countries across Asia and Africa since it began operations, as the company continues to review and restructure its international business presence.
