Uber has abruptly stopped its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, with the shutdown taking effect immediately on Wednesday, September 2.
The sudden decision sparked surprise on social media, with some users claiming that riders and drivers were still in the middle of trips when the platform went offline. One user described the situation as “insane”, while another pointed out that Uber had previously given drivers advance notice before leaving markets.
However, reports of passengers being stranded during ongoing rides could not be independently verified, and Uber has not publicly explained how trips already in progress were handled when the services were switched off.
The company said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business. An Uber spokesperson said the move was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its operations in other African markets.
Uber also said it remained committed to sub-Saharan Africa, citing continued growth and long-term opportunities in the region.
The exits come as Uber undertakes a major global restructuring. The company plans to cut around 3,300 jobs, equivalent to roughly 10% of its workforce, as CEO Dara Khosrowshahi seeks to redirect resources towards businesses with stronger returns, including autonomous vehicle technology.
Uber has faced significant challenges in Nigeria in recent years. Drivers have complained about low fares, rising fuel costs and the company’s commission structure. The market has also become increasingly competitive, with platforms such as Bolt, inDrive and local operators competing for customers and drivers.
The removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy in 2023 further increased operating costs for motorists. Drivers have staged protests and industrial action over fares, expenses and working conditions.
Uber first launched in Lagos in 2014 and later expanded across Nigeria. In Uganda, the company began operations in 2016.
The latest departures follow Uber’s exit from Ivory Coast and Tanzania over the past year. According to reports, the company now operates in four African countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
Uber has not provided a specific reason for leaving Nigeria and Uganda. The company insisted that the decision should not be interpreted as a wider withdrawal from Africa.
To help deal with the fallout, Uber said affected employees and drivers would receive support. Its Help Centre in Nigeria and Uganda will remain operational until September 23 to address outstanding issues and payments.
The abrupt shutdown marks a significant reduction in Uber’s African footprint and comes at a time when the company is simultaneously cutting costs and reassessing which markets and business segments offer the strongest long-term returns.
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