Uber Shuts Down Operations in Nigeria and Uganda After 12 Years
In a major shakeup to Africa’s ride-hailing landscape, Uber Technologies has announced it is winding down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective today, September 2, 2026.
The global tech giant communicated the decision via an email statement to users and driver partners on Wednesday, marking the end of a historic 12-year stint in Africa’s most populous nation.
End of an Era for Nigerian E-Hailing
Uber first launched its e-hailing service on the continent in Lagos in 2014. Over the last decade, it grew into a household staple, transforming urban mobility for millions of daily commuters.
In its official exit statement, the company expressed deep gratitude to its user base: “We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026. Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers.”
“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely. We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
Scope of the Exit and Customer Support
While the sudden departure has caught many commuters by surprise, Uber clarified that the decision is limited strictly to Nigeria and Uganda, and the company remains deeply committed to its other growth markets across Sub-Saharan Africa.
For existing users and driver-partners, core ride-hailing services on the app have ceased functioning immediately.
Uber’s departure leaves a massive gap in the market, likely paving the way for remaining competitors to consolidate their hold on the country’s multi-million naira transit market.
