Daijiworld Media Network – Lagos
Lagos, Sep 3: Ride-hailing giant Uber has shut down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, ending its services in the two African markets without a prior wind-down period.
The company announced that its services in both countries would end from September 2 following a “thorough review” of its business. Reports on social media claimed that some drivers and passengers were still on active trips when the platform went offline, though the reports could not be independently verified.
Uber has not publicly disclosed how ongoing rides were handled when its services were discontinued.
An Uber spokesperson said the decision was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect the company’s operations elsewhere in Africa. The company reiterated its commitment to sub-Saharan Africa, saying the region continues to offer strong growth and long-term opportunities.
Uber also said it would support employees and drivers affected by the shutdown. Its Help Centre in Nigeria and Uganda will remain operational until September 23 to address outstanding issues.
The company has not provided a specific reason for leaving either market. The exits come amid a broader global restructuring at Uber, with the company reportedly planning to eliminate around 3,300 jobs as it redirects resources towards businesses with stronger returns, including autonomous vehicles.
Uber has faced several challenges in Nigeria, where drivers have complained about low fares, rising fuel costs and commission charges. The company has also faced strong competition from platforms such as Bolt, inDrive and local operators.
Drivers in Nigeria have staged protests and industrial action in recent years over operating costs, fares and working conditions. The removal of the country's fuel subsidy in 2023 further increased the financial burden on motorists and consumers.
Uber entered the Nigerian market with its launch in Lagos in 2014 and later expanded to other parts of the country. In Uganda, the company began operations in 2016.
The latest exits follow Uber’s withdrawal from Ivory Coast and Tanzania over the past year, further reducing its presence across the African continent.
According to reports, Uber now operates in only four African countries — Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
Despite the latest closures, the company has maintained that its decision does not represent a withdrawal from Africa and that it remains committed to its operations and growth prospects in sub-Saharan Africa.