Uber ends operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effects

Fundated in 2009, the US company entered the Nigerian market in 2014, in Africa's most populous country, starting with the city of Lagos, before expanding to the rest of the territory. In 2016, it started operations in Uganda.

“ After a thorough analysis of our operations, we made the difficult decision to put an end to our activities in Nigeria, with effect from September 2, 2026 [today],” the company announced in a press release, without further details.

Uber also announced today the dismissal of 3,300 workers, the equivalent of 10% of its employees worldwide.

In January, Uber had already left Tanzania after ten years of activity.

Nigerians face a serious cost-of-life crisis in a context marked by the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu.

Economists and investors have supported these measures, claiming that they have contributed to greater macroeconomic stability, although critics argue that the benefits of reforms have not yet reached the general population.

The elimination of fuel subsidies triggered prices, and motorists were again heavily affected when the war in Iran reduced world oil supply and increased prices at supply stations.

Uber drivers have long complained that the tariffs presented in the application are too low.

The company indicated that its customer service will remain available until September 23 to resolve ongoing disputes.

Competitive applications such as Bolt and InDrive are also present in Nigeria.

“ We made a significant contribution to the Nigerian economy, with an estimated impact of 34 billion nairas (about EUR 22.1 million at the current exchange rate) on the local market,” Uber’s director in Nigeria, Tope Akinwumi, said in 2023.