Uber Quits Nigeria After 12 Years, Leaving 9,000 Drivers Stranded
Global ride-hailing company, Uber, has announced its exit from Nigeria, instantly throwing confusion into some 9,000 active driver-partners after 12 years of operations in the world’s largest Black nation.
The company said it would wind down its Nigerian operations effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its business.
Uber Technologies, Inc. is an American multinational transportation company that provides ride-hailing services, courier services, food delivery and freight transport.
It is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and operates in approximately 70 countries and 15,000 cities worldwide.
Uber, which launched its services in Lagos in 2014, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, describing it as a difficult decision.
“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 company said.
The ride-hailing firm thanked Nigerians for welcoming and using its platform over the years, acknowledging the disruption its departure may cause to customers.
Uber said its help centre would remain available until September 23 to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.
The company’s operations in Nigeria had faced several challenges over the years, including protests by drivers over fares, commission rates and alleged poor treatment. Similar protests were recorded in 2017, 2023 and 2025.
Uber, which began operations globally in 2009, has now exited 14 countries across Asia and Africa.
Its departure marks the end of a 12-year presence in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving ride-hailing market./APPLESBITE
