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Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced plans to discontinue its operations in Nigeria after 12 years of providing transportation services in the country.
The company made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that its Nigerian operations will officially wind down on September 2, 2026.
Uber described the decision as a difficult one, saying it followed a thorough review of its business operations in the country.
“We are writing to share some difficult news. 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 development brings an end to Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria, which began in Lagos in 2014. The ride-hailing platform provided residents and visitors with an alternative means of transportation, allowing users to request rides through its digital platform.
Reflecting on its time in the country, Uber said it had been privileged to become part of the daily lives of Nigerians since launching in Lagos.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers,” the company stated.
Over the years, the platform became part of the transportation routines of many customers, particularly in Lagos, where commuters used the service for different purposes, including journeys to work, social engagements and trips across the city.
Uber acknowledged the trust placed in its platform by customers throughout its years of operation.
“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely,” it added.
The company also recognised that its departure could affect customers who had incorporated the service into their regular transportation arrangements.
Uber apologised for the disruption that its withdrawal could cause, saying, “We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
Although the ride-hailing company will cease its operations on September 2, customers will still have access to its help centre for a limited period after the shutdown.
According to the company, the help centre will remain available until September 23 to assist customers with outstanding account-related enquiries.
Uber ended its announcement by thanking Nigerians for accepting the company into their communities over the years.
“Thank you for welcoming us into your city,” the company said.
Uber’s time in Nigeria was not without challenges. The company faced disagreements with drivers over several issues, including fares, commission rates and working conditions.
Drivers organised protests against the company on different occasions, with notable protests taking place in 2017, 2023 and 2025. The disputes highlighted some of the difficulties faced by ride-hailing platforms as they attempted to balance the expectations of drivers, passengers and the company.
Despite the challenges, Uber remained a notable player in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry for more than a decade.
Its entry into the Nigerian market in 2014 came as technology-driven transportation services were gaining popularity. The platform helped introduce a different approach to requesting and paying for rides, with customers able to use their smartphones to connect with drivers.
The decision to leave Nigeria also forms part of a wider history of Uber withdrawing from markets across Asia and Africa.
Since its international expansion began in 2009, the company has exited 14 countries across the two regions, reflecting the difficult business environment that can accompany operating large-scale ride-hailing platforms across different markets.
For Nigerian customers who have relied on the service since its arrival in Lagos, the September 2 shutdown marks the end of an era.
After 12 years of connecting passengers with drivers, Uber will officially bring its Nigerian operations to an end, while its help centre will continue providing assistance to customers until September 23.
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