American Transport Company, Uber Leaves Nigeria After 12 Years as Poverty, Insecurity Bite Harder Under Tinubu’s Regime

American multinational ride-hailing and transportation company, Uber, has announced its exit from the Nigerian market after 12 years of operations.

The company said its Nigerian operations would cease on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, bringing an end to its presence in a market where it had established itself as one of the leading app-based transportation platforms.

Uber disclosed the decision in a message to its subscribers on Wednesday, describing the move as a difficult decision reached after a review of its business operations in the country.

> “Uber will be leaving Nigeria today,” the company said.

The company added: “After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026.”

Uber first launched its service in Lagos in 2014 and subsequently became a major player in Nigeria’s growing digital transportation sector.

Reflecting on its time in the country, the company said it had been “an absolute privilege” to be part of the daily lives of Nigerians by connecting users with independent transportation providers.

“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely,” Uber said.

The company acknowledged that its departure could disrupt the routines of customers who relied on the platform for transportation.

“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” it added.

Another Multinational Leaves Nigeria

Uber’s departure represents another exit by a major multinational company from Nigeria amid a difficult operating environment characterised by rising costs, economic pressures and security concerns.

Over the past few years, several major international companies have either withdrawn from Nigeria or significantly scaled down their operations.

Among them are pharmaceutical and consumer goods giants such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Procter & Gamble and Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited.

The exits have continued to fuel concerns about Nigeria’s business environment, particularly the challenges faced by multinational companies operating in the country.

Nigeria has experienced significant economic pressures in recent years, including high inflation, currency volatility and increased operating costs. Businesses have also raised concerns over infrastructure deficiencies and security challenges.

Uber’s exit comes as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to implement economic reforms aimed at reshaping the Nigerian economy and attracting investment.

However, critics of the administration have argued that the reforms have increased economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians, with rising living costs and declining purchasing power placing additional pressure on households and businesses.

The company did not, however, directly attribute its decision to leave Nigeria to poverty, insecurity or the policies of the Tinubu administration. Its statement only cited a review of its business and the decision to wind down operations.

Uber’s departure is therefore likely to renew debate over the sustainability of Nigeria’s business environment and the country’s ability to retain major international investors.