Uber pulls out of Nigeria after 12 years as global restructuring cuts deep

September 3, 2026
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Global tech titan Uber officially wound down its ride-hailing services across Nigeria on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, bringing a sudden close to its 12-year presence in Africa’s most populous nation.

​The decision was communicated directly to users and stakeholders via an official corporate statement issued on Wednesday morning.

Addressing the country from its regional operational focus in Lagos, the city where the platform first introduced Nigerian urban centers to app-based commuting in 2014, the company outlined the end of its local operations.

​”We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026,” the corporate statement read.

“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform… We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

​The exit coincides with a broader global restructuring announced the same day. Speaking in a corporate memo to explain the broader shift, Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi confirmed the company is cutting roughly 3,300 roles, about 10% of its global workforce, to streamline operations, remove management layers, and redirect focus toward high-growth markets and autonomous vehicle technology.

​”Today, we’re making a number of significant organizational changes across Uber,” Khosrowshahi stated. “The changes we’re making today are designed to do two things: make Uber simpler and faster, and create more capacity to invest in our future.”

​Uber’s departure ends a decade-long struggle marked by shifting macroeconomic conditions, rising fuel costs, and tension with local driver-partner unions over fare structures.

Operational support via the in-app Help Centre will remain available until September 23, 2026, allowing riders and driver-partners to resolve pending balance queries and account closures.

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