The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), the Nigerian e-hailing drivers' union, has blamed Uber's sudden exit from Nigeria on what it calls the company's exploitative business model. In a statement issued by its National Spokesperson, Comrade Jossy Adaraniwon, the union described the exit as "unprofessional."

Uber announced its exit from Nigeria after more than a decade of operations, stating that the move was "part of evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent" (see: Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years, says the country is no longer a priority). AUATON, however, strongly condemned the exit, stating that it was carried out irresponsibly and without consultation.

According to the union, the departure was made without a transition plan or regard for the thousands of Nigerian drivers who built the platform — an act it said shows total disregard for workers' rights and dignity.

AUATON also accused the company of institutionalising this exploitative business model in Nigeria and held it responsible for the race-to-the-bottom that other apps are now copying. The union's stance reflects a broader tension in Nigeria's gig economy, where app-based transporters have long campaigned for formal recognition, collective bargaining rights, and better working conditions on platforms that classify drivers as independent partners rather than employees.

"For the record, Uber's exit is the direct consequence of its exploitative foundational business model. A model that does not recognise the rights of workers, rejects collective bargaining, and prioritises profit over driver welfare. This template was strategically used by Bolt and InDrive to push Uber out of the market. The result today is longer waiting times, lower revenue for drivers, and fewer active drivers on the platforms because of poor working conditions," the statement reads.

The union warned that the development should serve as a clear lesson to Bolt and inDrive, cautioning that they will suffer the same fate if they continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON to protect and prioritise driver welfare. With Uber gone, Bolt and inDrive remain the dominant international players in Nigeria's e-hailing market, leaving them directly exposed to the union's demands.

The union also noted that the moment an indigenous app that puts drivers' interests first enters the market, platforms that refuse dialogue will exit.

AUATON further insisted on its recognition as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters in Nigeria, fair pay and a just welfare package built into platform apps and collective agreements, and transparency, safety, and decent work in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards for platform workers. Its demands align with ongoing international debates over platform-work regulation, including ILO discussions on decent work in the gig economy.

"To our members nationwide: Do not be discouraged. Uber's exit proves that platforms built on exploitation cannot survive in Nigeria. We urge all drivers to remain united and to support platforms that are willing to sign collective agreements with AUATON," the union said.

Uber exits Nigeria

Ride-hailing company Uber is exiting the Nigerian and Ugandan markets from September 2. The decision was disclosed in a statement and memo shared with riders and customers. According to the company, the exit from Nigeria and Uganda is part of evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent. Nigeria has been one of Uber's key African markets since it launched there over a decade ago, and the simultaneous exit from Uganda marks one of the company's most significant retreats on 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.

The company said it has been in touch with active drivers to extend a token of its appreciation as they transition over the next period. It also expressed commitment to supporting affected employees through the transition and said it will communicate directly with them regarding the arrangements that apply to them. What remains to be seen is whether Bolt and inDrive respond to AUATON's collective-bargaining demands, and whether any indigenous driver-focused platform emerges to fill the space Uber is vacating.

AUATON, for its part, says it will not allow foreign platforms to come to Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers, and leave without accountability.