Uber has announced it will discontinue operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective September 2, 2026, marking a major retreat from two of Africa’s important mobility markets as the global ride-hailing company refocuses its investments across the continent.
The company said the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus in Africa, stressing that the move is limited strictly to Nigeria and Uganda and will not affect its operations elsewhere on the continent.
Uber, however, did not disclose the number of employees, drivers or riders affected by the decision.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026.
“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,” the company stated.
The company maintained that it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it said it continues to see “robust growth and long-term opportunity.”
Uber said its decision to leave Nigeria and Uganda reflects a reassessment of where it can deploy capital and resources most effectively.
“We are focusing our investments on markets where we believe we can add the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale and enabling riders to go anywhere seamlessly,” the company said.
The exit represents a development for Nigeria’s increasingly competitive ride-hailing industry, where Uber has operated alongside local and international rivals for years.
The sector has faced mounting pressure from rising fuel costs, inflation, currency volatility, regulatory uncertainty and persistent disagreements between platform operators, drivers and passengers over fares and commissions.
Uber did not provide further details on the financial or operational factors underlying its decision.
The company said it was communicating directly with affected employees, drivers and riders regarding the implications of the shutdown.
Uber said it would support affected local employees through the transition and communicate directly with them about arrangements applicable to their employment.
Active drivers have also been contacted, with the company saying it would extend a “token of appreciation” as they transition from the platform.
“We continue to communicate directly and responsibly with affected employees, drivers and riders about what this means for them,” Uber said.
The announcement raises fresh questions about the future of thousands of drivers who have depended on the platform for income, as well as the potential impact on competition and consumer choice in Nigeria’s urban transport market.
Support for riders to continue for 21 days
Uber said rider support would remain available for 21 days after operations cease to handle outstanding queries and other transition-related matters.
The company also said rider information would continue to be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and its internal data protection policies.
It said data would be retained only for periods required by law, while appropriate security controls and continuing legal obligations would be maintained.
Uber for Business services in Nigeria and Uganda will also be discontinued, with the company saying it is already engaging affected partners to support their transition.
FAAN ban not responsible, Uber says
Uber specifically denied that its decision to leave Nigeria was connected to the recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
“No,” the company said in response to questions about whether the airport directive influenced its exit.
“Uber’s decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria was made following a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa. The decision is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports,” it explained.
Uber’s departure brings to an end its direct operations in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest consumer markets and a key battleground for digital mobility platforms.
While the company is withdrawing from Nigeria and Uganda, it insists the decision should not be interpreted as a wider retreat from Africa.
“Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity,” the company said.
The immediate focus, it added, is ensuring an orderly transition for the drivers, riders, employees and business partners whose livelihoods and operations have become connected to the platform.
