Uber has announced plans to end its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, with its services winding down nationwide from September 2, 2026.
Uber, the global ride-hailing company, has announced its decision to end operations in Nigeria after 12 years, with the shutdown taking effect on September 2, 2026.
The company announced the decision in a statement to customers on Wednesday, saying it followed a thorough review of 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,” Uber said.
Uber launched its services in Lagos in 2014, becoming one of the early major players in Nigeria’s ride-hailing market. Over the past 12 years, the platform expanded its presence and became a regular transportation option for commuters in the country.
Reflecting on its time in Nigeria, the company thanked customers for trusting its platform to connect them with independent drivers.
“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,” the company said.
“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.”
Uber acknowledged that its departure could disrupt the routines of customers who relied on the platform for their daily transportation needs.
“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” the company added.
Drivers’ Protests and Industry Challenges
Uber’s operations in Nigeria have faced challenges over the years, particularly over fares, driver earnings and commission rates.
Drivers protested against the company’s policies in 2017, 2023 and 2025, raising concerns about low fares, commission charges and what they described as poor treatment.
However, Uber did not specifically attribute its decision to exit Nigeria to the protests or any particular regulatory or financial challenge. The company only said the decision followed a review of its business.
The exit comes amid broader challenges in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, where operators have had to balance affordable fares for passengers with sustainable earnings for drivers and rising operational costs.
Help Centre to Remain Open
Although its operations are ending on September 2, Uber said its Help Centre will remain available until September 23 to assist customers with any final account-related queries.
The company expressed appreciation to Nigerians for welcoming its service since its launch in Lagos more than a decade ago.
“Thank you for welcoming us into your city,” Uber said.
Uber’s departure marks the end of a 12-year presence in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.
Since its global launch in 2009, the company has expanded into and subsequently withdrawn from several markets across Asia and Africa. Its exit from Nigeria represents another reduction in its international operational footprint.
For Nigerian customers who have used the platform since its arrival in 2014, the shutdown brings an end to Uber’s role in the country’s transformation of urban transportation through app-based ride-hailing.
