Ride-hailing company Uber is exiting the Nigerian and Ugandan markets from September 2. This was disclosed in a statement and memo shared with riders and customers. According to the company, the decision to exit Nigeria and Uganda is part of evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026. This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent. Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition. Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity,” an Uber spokesperson said.
The company said it has been in touch with active drivers to extend a token of its appreciation as they transition over the next period. It also expressed commitment to supporting affected employees through the transition and will communicate directly with them regarding the arrangements that apply to them.
“We continue to communicate directly and responsibly with affected employees, drivers and riders about what this means for them,” the company said.
Why is Uber exiting Nigeria and Uganda?
The company said that after careful consideration, it has made the difficult decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria and Uganda as part of evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent. The decision is, however, specific to Nigeria and Uganda and does not affect Uber’s wider commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We remain committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity. We are focusing our investments on markets where we believe we can add the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale and enabling riders to go anywhere seamlessly,” Uber said.
Explaining how rider data will be handled, the company said it will continue to handle it in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements, and Uber’s data protection policies.
“Uber will limit data retention to what is legally required, maintain appropriate security controls, and fulfil ongoing legal obligations and data requests. Riders can reach out to Uber through this privacy inquiry form if they have questions regarding their data privacy, need assistance with their personal data, or wish to submit a privacy request,” the company said.
It also said rider support will remain available for a period of 21 days following the discontinuation of operations to assist with outstanding queries and transition-related matters. The company said its Uber for Business services will also be discontinued as part of its exit, and it will remain in touch with partners to support them through the transition.
The company also clarified that the decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
Read also: Lagos drivers drag Uber, Bolt, inDrive before Public Complaints Commission over unfair practices
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