Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect

In a statement on Wednesday, September 2, an Uber spokesperson said the company had made the decision after carefully assessing its operations in the two markets.

"After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026," the statement read.

Uber stated that the decision would only affect the two countries and would not signal a broader withdrawal from the African continent.

"This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent," the statement added.

The company also said it would prioritize supporting those directly affected by the shutdown as the transition takes place.

"Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition," the statement concluded.

Uber clarified that its decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria is not related to the recent Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directive on e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.

Uber said rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations are discontinued to assist with outstanding queries and transition-related matters.

The company added that rider data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and Uber’s data protection policies.

“Uber will limit data retention to what is legally required, maintain appropriate security controls, and fulfill ongoing legal obligations and data requests,” the company said.

This development comes months after Uber announced the end of its operations in Tanzania, bringing to a close the company’s years-long presence in the market.

In a communication to its customers, the company confirmed that its services in Tanzania have officially been discontinued as of the end of January, while expressing regret over the impact of the decision on users.

"We have some difficult news. Starting today, 30 January 2026, Uber services will no longer be available in Tanzania. We understand that this may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," the communication read.

Uber also reflected on its time operating in the country, highlighting its role in supporting everyday mobility for users in Dar es Salaam and expressing appreciation to customers as it exits the market.

"Since launching our services in Dar es Salaam, it has been a great honor for us to be part of your daily journeys, helping you travel safely, reliably, and affordably. This chapter is coming to an end, but our gratitude to you remains," the communication added.

For Nigeria, the departure is a significant blow to a digital economy that had developed with the platform in an often fraught landscape. 

Uber estimated in 2023 that it generated an additional NGN 6.1 B (Ksh. 1. 2 B) in annual income for Nigerian drivers compared to traditional alternatives.

Yet drivers have long complained that the math does not work in their favour. 

Constant complains they've raised include rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, and commissions as high as 25 to 30 percent. 

In March, hundreds of drivers in Lagos went on a three-day strike over low fares and high commissions, logging off platforms including Uber, Bolt, and inDrive.