Uber is set to end its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, according to an email reportedly sent to users by the ride-hailing company.
The company said it would wind down its operations in Nigeria effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after reviewing its business in the country.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the email reportedly stated.
If confirmed, the decision will mark the end of Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria, where the company launched its ride-hailing service in 2014 and became one of the major players in the country’s growing e-hailing industry.
Uber’s entry into Nigeria changed how many Nigerians moved around major cities, allowing passengers to request rides through a mobile application while giving thousands of drivers an alternative source of income.
The company initially built a strong position in the market through its ride-hailing service and later expanded its offerings. However, competition has increased significantly in recent years, with Bolt, inDrive and other operators competing for passengers and drivers.
See also: Uganda Dumps TIN, Makes NIN the New Tax ID
Uber’s reported exit comes weeks after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria restricted the operations of Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services at some airports, a move that triggered concerns among operators and passengers over access to airport transportation.
Uber also reportedly plans to leave Uganda, another African market where it operates, although details surrounding the decision were not immediately clear.
The company has not, at the time of filing this report, publicly announced the Nigeria exit on its website or through a statement available in its online newsroom. Uber’s Nigeria website remains accessible, while current search results have yet to show confirmation of the reported shutdown from a major international news organisation.
The reported departure would leave Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms with a larger share of Nigeria’s increasingly competitive e-hailing market.
Uber had said in 2017 that it had nearly 300,000 riders and about 7,000 drivers in Nigeria, highlighting the size of the market it had built since its arrival.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
