Uber is shutting down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, effective today, September 2, 2026.
The company informed its drivers of the decision in a message sent on Wednesday, saying it had made the “tough decision” to wind down its operations in the country following a review of its business.
From today, drivers will no longer receive rider trip requests through the Uber app.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber told drivers.
The announcement comes with little advance warning for members of the company’s driver community. In the message, Uber did not disclose what led to the decision or provide details about the factors considered during its business review.
Uber thanks drivers
Alongside the announcement, the company thanked its drivers for their contribution to its operations in Nigeria. Uber said drivers had helped keep cities moving and praised their commitment to riders over the years.
“For years, your commitment to your riders has kept this city moving safely and affordably,” the company said.
The company also described its role in Nigeria as a technology bridge connecting riders with independent drivers. Uber has been one of the most recognisable names in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, competing with platforms such as Bolt, inDrive and other services for passengers and drivers in major cities.
Help Centre to remain open until September 23
Although trip requests have stopped from today, September 2, 2026, Uber said its Help Centre will remain open until September 23, 2026. The company said the Help Centre will be available to assist drivers with questions about the shutdown.
Uber’s message did not provide further information about the status of driver accounts, payments or other aspects of the wind-down.
It is also not yet clear whether the company plans to return to the Nigerian market at some point in the future.
A major change for Nigeria’s ride-hailing market
Uber’s exit is a significant development for Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry.
The company has spent the last 12 years building a presence in the country, giving riders an alternative to traditional taxis while providing drivers with another platform for finding passengers.
Its departure could now create room for competing services to attract Uber’s riders and drivers.
For passengers who regularly used Uber, the change means they will have to rely on other ride-hailing options. Drivers who depended on the platform will similarly have to consider other services.
However, it is still too early to determine the wider impact of the decision.
Uber has not publicly given a specific reason for leaving Nigeria, so claims linking the shutdown to particular economic, regulatory or operational challenges would be premature.
Although Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has faced many challenges over the years, including operating costs, regulatory requirements, fuel prices and changing consumer spending patterns.
For now, the company has confirmed just one thing: Uber’s ride-hailing service in Nigeria is being wound down from September 2, 2026.
