Uber pulls out of Nigeria after 12 years on the road

Uber has announced plans to wind down its operations in Nigeria, bringing its 12-year presence in the country to an end. The ride-hailing company, which first launched in Lagos in 2014, communicated the decision to customers in an email, saying it followed a thorough review of its business.

“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,” Uber said, acknowledging that the move could disrupt customers’ routines and apologising for the inconvenience.

Reflecting on its time in Nigeria, the company said, “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.” It added, “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.” Uber said its help centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist customers with final account queries.

The exit comes as Uber embarks on wider organisational changes, including plans to reduce its workforce by about 10 per cent. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a message to employees released on Wednesday, “Today, we’re making a number of significant organisational changes across Uber. As a result, we will be reducing the size of our team by about 10 percent.”

Uber, which has roughly 34,000 employees and operates in more than 70 countries, according to a recent SEC filing, said the layoffs are aimed at making the platform “simpler and faster” and reducing coordination delays within its sprawling operation. “A leaner organisation will mean clearer ownership, faster decisions, and more time spent building rather than coordinating,” the company said.

Founded in 2009, Uber disrupted the urban transportation sector by challenging traditional taxi and private-car models and enabling people to use their own vehicles to provide rides to others. Its platform subsequently became a major part of the ride-hailing landscape in markets around the world, including Nigeria.

Uber’s departure is now set to become one of the biggest developments in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry in recent years, with the exit likely to reshape competition among operators. For Nigerian riders and drivers who have relied on the platform since its Lagos launch, September 2 marks the end of Uber’s 12 year chapter in the country.