Uber is officially shutting down its operations in Nigeria after 12 years in the market.

 

 Ride-hailing giant Uber is officially shutting down its operations in Nigeria after 12 years in the market, marking the end of an era for the country’s tech and transportation landscape.

The company broke the news to users today, September 2, 2026, via an email statement citing a "thorough review" of its business operations.

"We are writing to share some difficult news," the statement read. "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 exit marks a dramatic shift for Uber, which first launched in Lagos in 2014 as one of the early pioneers of Nigeria’s gig economy. Over the past decade, the platform expanded across major urban centers, becoming a staple for urban commuters and creating thousands of flexible earning opportunities for local drivers.

  Operations cease effective immediately today, September 2, 2026.

 The Uber Help Center will remain active through 23 September 2026 to resolve outstanding account queries, ride disputes, and balance settlements.

 Passengers will need to switch to alternative local and international ride-hailing platforms, while drivers face sudden disruptions to their primary revenue streams.

Reflecting on their journey, Uber expressed gratitude to the millions of Nigerians who relied on the app over the years.

"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," the company stated. "We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience."

While Uber did not explicitly detail the exact commercial pressures driving the decision, the shutdown comes amid a challenging macroeconomic environment in Nigeria, where high fuel prices, severe inflation, and currency fluctuations have squeezed margins for tech companies and ride-hailing operators nationwide.