Ride-hailing company Uber is exiting the Nigerian and Ugandan markets effective September 2, 2026. The decision was disclosed in a statement and memo shared with riders and customers, with the company describing the move as part of evolving business priorities and its investment focus across the continent.

"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. 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," an Uber spokesperson said.

Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, launching in Lagos as part of its early expansion across Africa, and later extended service to Uganda. In both markets it has operated alongside rivals such as Bolt, inDrive, and other local e-hailing platforms, in an environment shaped by intense price competition and periodic regulatory disputes, including recent driver complaints over platform practices before the Public Complaints Commission.

The company said it has been in touch with active drivers to extend a token of its appreciation as they transition over the coming period. It also committed to supporting affected employees through the transition and said it will communicate directly with them regarding the arrangements that apply to them.

"We continue to communicate directly and responsibly with affected employees, drivers and riders about what this means for them," the company said.

Why is Uber exiting Nigeria and Uganda?

According to Uber, the decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria and Uganda followed careful consideration and forms part of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent. The company stressed that the move is specific to these two markets and does not affect its wider commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it continues to operate in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.

"We remain committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity. 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.

On the handling of rider data, the company said it will continue to process data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements, and Uber's own data protection policies.

"Uber will limit data retention to what is legally required, maintain appropriate security controls, and fulfil ongoing legal obligations and data requests. Riders can reach out to Uber through this privacy inquiry form if they have questions regarding their data privacy, need assistance with their personal data, or wish to submit a privacy request," the company said. (privacy inquiry form)

Rider support will remain available for 21 days following the discontinuation of operations to assist with outstanding queries and transition-related matters, the company added. Uber for Business services will also be discontinued as part of the exit, and Uber said it will stay in touch with partners to support them through the transition.

The company also clarified that the decision to discontinue its Nigerian operations is not related to the recent directive from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.

For riders and drivers in both markets, alternative platforms such as Bolt and inDrive remain active, and the coming weeks are likely to clarify how remaining operators absorb the demand and driver supply left behind by Uber's exit.

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