Uber Exits Nigeria, Uganda After Years Of Operations

Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced the discontinuation of its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, ending its services in the two African markets from Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The decision was announced in an email to employees on Wednesday, with Uber saying it followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the company said.

In a separate statement to TechEconomy, Uber’s Head of Communications for East and West Africa, Lorraine Onduru, said the company remained committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, which it described as a region with strong growth prospects and long-term opportunities.

The company said it was concentrating its investments on markets where it believes it can create the greatest value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale while allowing riders to move around seamlessly.

Uber also clarified that its decision to leave Nigeria was not connected to the recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.

Asked whether the FAAN directive was responsible for the decision, Uber said, “No.”

The company said its withdrawal was instead the result of its review of its business priorities and investment strategy across the continent.

The clarification comes after FAAN’s directive had created uncertainty for e-hailing companies and their customers over access to Nigerian airports.

Uber said it had begun communicating with drivers, riders and employees affected by the decision to help them understand the transition.

The company declined to immediately disclose the number of drivers, riders or employees affected by the withdrawal, saying it was communicating directly and responsibly with those impacted.

For drivers, Uber said it had contacted active drivers and would extend a token of appreciation to them as they transition following the cessation of operations.

The company also said it would provide support to affected employees in Nigeria and communicate directly with them about applicable arrangements.

For riders, Uber said customer support would remain available for 21 days after operations end** to address outstanding questions and other transition-related matters.

The company also confirmed that Uber for Business services in Nigeria will be discontinued as part of the withdrawal.

Uber said it was communicating with its business partners and customers to support them through the transition.

The company further said the personal data of Nigerian riders would continue to be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and its data protection policies.

It said it would retain only information required by law, maintain appropriate security controls and continue to meet its legal obligations, including responding to lawful requests for data.

Uber’s departure marks the end of its 12-year presence in Nigeria.

The company launched its ride-hailing service in Lagos in 2014 and subsequently expanded to other Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna, Owerri, Uyo, Warri and Umuahia.

Uber’s withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda comes as the company announced a broader restructuring of its global workforce.

Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi told employees on Wednesday that the company would reduce its workforce by about 10 per cent, or approximately 3,300 jobs, as part of efforts to simplify its organisational structure and reduce management layers.

Khosrowshahi said Uber had grown substantially over the past five years, with its revenue nearly tripling, but that the expansion had also created additional layers of management, coordination and fragmented ownership.

He said the restructuring was intended to make the company “simpler and faster” while creating savings that could be reinvested in growth, innovation and its autonomous vehicle business.

The CEO said the workforce changes were based on how the company was organised and where it was directing its resources, rather than the performance of individual employees.

Uber is also adjusting its global workplace strategy as part of the restructuring, including reducing fully remote corporate roles and concentrating employees around key hubs.

The restructuring comes as Uber faces increasing competition and invests heavily in autonomous vehicles and robotaxi technology, while also managing pressure across its ride-hailing and delivery businesses.

Despite the withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda, Uber said in its statement to TechEconomy that it remained committed to Sub-Saharan Africa.

The company said it would continue investing in African markets where it sees opportunities for sustainable growth and where its platform can create value for drivers, riders and other users at scale.