Ride-hailing company Uber has announced plans to shut down its operations in Nigeria, ending its presence in the country after more than a decade.
The company said its exit would take effect on 2 September 2026.
Uber launched its service in Lagos in 2014 and expanded its ride-hailing platform to connect passengers with independent drivers.
In a statement to customers, the company said it had made the decision after a “thorough review” of its business.
“We are writing to share some difficult news,” Uber said.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026.”
The company thanked Nigerian customers for using its platform and apologised for the disruption its departure could cause.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life,” it said.
Uber said it recognised that the decision could affect customers’ daily routines and expressed appreciation for those who had trusted the service.
The announcement comes as the company also begins a major restructuring of its global workforce.
In a memo to staff on Wednesday, chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber would eliminate about 3,300 positions, representing roughly 10% of its workforce.
He said the cuts would largely affect management and coordination roles as part of efforts to simplify the company’s structure.
“Today, we’re making a number of significant organisational changes across Uber,” Mr Khosrowshahi said.
“We are removing layers, simplifying team structures, refining our global location strategy, and focusing our people and investments against the biggest opportunities ahead of us.”
He said employees whose positions were affected had been notified, except in countries where local procedures were required.
Mr Khosrowshahi acknowledged the impact of the job losses, saying the decision had not been taken lightly.
“These changes are about how we’re organised and what we’re prioritising, not about anyone’s contributions to Uber, which we will always value,” he said.
Share this content:
About The Author
