Uber is leaving Nigeria after 12 years, ending its ride-hailing operations in the country on September 2, 2026. The company announced the decision in an email to users.
“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 entered Nigeria in 2014 and quickly became a major name in the country’s ride-hailing scene. Its arrival changed how Nigerians booked and paid for rides. It also created a new income option for thousands of drivers.
Over the years, Uber became known for its driver checks and vehicle standards. However, competition has changed the market. Bolt and inDrive have gained more users with cheaper fares and flexible pricing. Bolt focused heavily on competitive prices, while inDrive allowed riders and drivers to negotiate fares.
Uber also offered delivery services in Nigeria before its exit. In 2017, the company said it had nearly 300,000 riders and about 7,000 drivers in the country. Now, its departure closes an important chapter in Nigeria’s growing tech and transport industry.
The company is also leaving Uganda, where it started operations in 2016. Both exits come after Uber reviewed its business operations in the two countries.
For Nigerian riders, Uber’s exit marks the end of an era. The company helped make app-based transport a normal part of everyday life. Today, the market is more crowded, competitive, and price-focused than when Uber first arrived.
