By Sabiu Abdullahi
Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced the termination of its services in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026.
The company disclosed the decision in a statement issued by its spokesperson on Wednesday, citing changes in its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa.
Uber said the decision was not connected to the recent restrictions placed on ride-hailing companies at Nigerian airports by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
FAAN had in August limited the activities of ride-hailing operators at Nigerian airports before later allowing Bolt, one of Uber’s major competitors, to resume operations.
Uber said its decision to leave the two countries was specific to those markets and would not affect its activities in other parts of Africa.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition. Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.”
The company also reiterated its long-term interest in the sub-Saharan African market, despite its withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda.
“We remain committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity,” Uber said.
“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.”
Uber said it had begun communication with employees, drivers and riders affected by the decision.
“We are committed to supporting affected employees through the transition and will communicate directly with them regarding the arrangements that apply to them,” the firm said.
The company also said active drivers had received communication as part of the transition process.
“We have been in touch with active drivers to extend a token of our appreciation as they transition over the next period.”
Uber said its customer support service would remain accessible for 21 days after the end of operations. The period is intended to address outstanding complaints and other issues linked to the transition.
The company’s departure comes after years of operational challenges in Nigeria. Its drivers staged protests in 2017, 2023 and 2025 over issues that included fares, commission rates and alleged poor treatment.
Uber entered the Nigerian market about 12 years ago as part of its expansion into Africa. Since its establishment in 2009, the company has withdrawn from 14 countries across Asia and Africa.
