By Kingsley Samuel
Ride-hailing giant, Uber, is set to end its operations in Nigeria today, September 2, 2026, closing a 12-year chapter that began with its launch in Lagos and reshaped the way millions of Nigerians moved around the city.
The exit is expected to further alter the competitive landscape of Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, with users and drivers now having to adjust to the departure of one of the country’s most recognisable digital transport platforms.
Uber announced the decision in an email to its Nigerian customers, saying it followed a “thorough review” of its business operations in the country.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said.
The company, which commenced operations in Lagos in 2014, thanked Nigerians for using its platform for commuting, visiting family and friends and moving around the city.
“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,” Uber said.
The company acknowledged that its departure could disrupt the routines of customers who had come to depend on its services.
“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” it added.
Uber’s exit brings to an end more than a decade of participation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital transportation ecosystem, where technology has transformed the traditional taxi business by connecting passengers and drivers through mobile applications.
The company did not disclose specific reasons for its decision to leave Nigeria in the message to customers, saying only that the decision followed its review of the business.
The development could intensify competition among the remaining ride-hailing platforms as they seek to attract Uber’s former customers and drivers.
For passengers, the exit could mean changes in available ride options, pricing and service coverage, while drivers who relied on the platform for access to customers may also have to explore alternative platforms.
Uber advised customers with final account-related enquiries to contact the company before September 23, 2026, when it will stop accepting such enquiries.
The company’s departure also marks the end of an era for a platform that became synonymous with app-based transportation in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, where it introduced many commuters to the convenience of requesting rides, tracking drivers and making cashless payments through a mobile phone.
Its 2014 entry helped accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s ride-hailing market and contributed to the wider digitalisation of urban mobility.
As Uber shuts down its Nigerian operations, attention is now expected to shift to how its customers, drivers and competitors respond to the new reality.
