Uber to leave Nigeria after 12 years

Uber is leaving Nigeria after 12 years, ending its ride-hailing service in the country as part of a wider decision to withdraw from two African markets. The company said operations in Nigeria and Uganda would end on September 2.

Uber said the move followed a review of its changing business priorities and investment focus across Africa. It specifically rejected a link to a recent dispute over e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, saying the decision was unrelated to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria directive.

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Uber’s decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria was made following a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.

FAAN ordered airport managers on July 30 to stop Uber and Bolt from operating commercially at airports under its management while licence agreements were being finalised. The directive triggered complaints about higher transport fares. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo later instructed FAAN to address those concerns, and Bolt subsequently received clearance to resume operations at FAAN-managed airports.

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The decision is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.

Uber said its departure would affect only Nigeria and Uganda, not its other African operations. The company said it remained committed to Sub-Saharan Africa and would concentrate investment on markets where it could create earning opportunities for drivers at scale and allow riders to travel seamlessly. It also said it would communicate with affected employees, drivers and riders, provide support during the transition, and offer active drivers a token of appreciation.

The company added that rider data would continue to be managed under applicable privacy and data-protection rules. Uber said it would retain data only as legally required, maintain security controls and meet ongoing legal obligations and data requests.

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Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.