Earlier today, September 2, 2026, Uber Nigeria sent an email to its users announcing the immediate closure of its operations in the country, bringing an end to the ride-hailing company’s 12-year presence in Nigeria.
Uber, which first launched in Lagos in 2014, said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business and its evolving priorities and investment focus across Africa. The company is also winding down its operations in Uganda, following its exits from Tanzania in February 2026 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2025. It will continue operating in Ghana, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa.
In its farewell message to users, the company thanked Nigerians for trusting the platform to connect them with independent drivers and help them get around their cities safely. Uber also acknowledged that the sudden exit could disrupt customers’ routines and apologised for the inconvenience.
The company’s Help Centre will remain active until September 23, 2026, giving users a 21-day window to resolve any outstanding account-related enquiries.
With Uber’s withdrawal from Nigeria’s ride-hailing market, Bolt and inDrive are now positioned to capture a larger share of riders and drivers left behind by the platform. Both companies already have established operations in Nigeria, making them the most obvious alternatives for Uber users looking for another ride-hailing service.
For a company that helped introduce app-based ride-hailing to Nigeria on a large scale, Uber’s departure marks the end of an important chapter in the country’s transportation story and potentially the beginning of a new battle for its customers.