Uber has announced the immediate withdrawal of its ride-hailing operations from Nigeria and Uganda, bringing an end to its services in both countries effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The company disclosed the decision on Wednesday, September 2, saying it followed a comprehensive review of its business priorities and investment strategy across the African continent.
According to Uber, the decision was taken to redirect its investments towards African markets where it believes it can create earning opportunities for drivers at scale while making transportation services more accessible to riders.
An Uber spokesperson, in a statement shared with Techpoint Africa, confirmed that the withdrawal affects only Nigeria and Uganda and would not impact the company’s operations in its other African markets.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the spokesperson said.
The company said its immediate priority is to support drivers, riders and local team members affected by the shutdown as it manages the transition.
Uber also clarified that its decision to leave Nigeria was not connected to a recent directive issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
The company said it would continue to communicate details of the arrangements being made for individuals and partners affected by the withdrawal.
For riders with outstanding enquiries or other matters arising from the shutdown, Uber said its rider support services would remain available for 21 days after the cessation of operations.
The company further assured users that their personal data would be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and Uber’s data protection policies.
According to Uber, users’ data would only be retained for periods required by law, while appropriate security controls would remain in place to protect the information and ensure compliance with its legal obligations.
The exit from Nigeria and Uganda is the latest in a series of withdrawals by Uber from African markets.
In February 2026, the company ended its operations in Tanzania, while it had earlier stopped operating in Ivory Coast in 2025 after six years of providing services in the country.
Following the latest withdrawals, Uber will now operate in four African countries — Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, according to Techpoint Africa.
Despite leaving Nigeria and Uganda, Uber said it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa and continues to see long-term opportunities in the region.
The company, however, maintained that its current strategy requires it to concentrate investment on markets where it believes its platform can deliver earning opportunities for drivers on a larger scale and improve access to transportation for riders.
The withdrawal marks a significant development in Nigeria’s e-hailing sector, where Uber had established itself as one of the prominent app-based transportation platforms serving riders in major cities.