Breaking: Uber Shuts Down Nigeria Operations After 12 Years, Announces 3,300 Global Job Cuts
By Naheem Olaoye
Uber is set to shut down its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, bringing its ride-hailing services in the country to an end from September 2, 2026.
The global ride-hailing company announced the decision on Wednesday following what it described as a thorough review of its business operations.
Uber launched in Lagos in 2014 and expanded its services to several major Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu and Uyo.
In a statement announcing the withdrawal, the company 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 trusting its platform over the past 12 years and apologised for the disruption its exit may cause.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers,” Uber said.
The company added that its Help Centre would remain available until September 23 to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.
Why Uber Is Leaving Nigeria
Uber’s exit follows years of challenges involving its operations and driver network in Nigeria.
Drivers have staged protests and strikes over issues including fares, commission rates and what they described as poor treatment by the company.
The withdrawal also comes as Uber undertakes a major restructuring of its global operations.
Uber to Cut 3,300 Jobs Worldwide
Alongside its Nigerian exit, Uber announced plans to eliminate approximately 3,300 jobs globally, representing about 10 per cent of its workforce.
The company said the restructuring would simplify its corporate structure, reduce management layers and allow it to redirect resources towards its core businesses, including ride-hailing, delivery and autonomous vehicles.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company’s rapid expansion over the past five years had created unnecessary complexity, resulting in additional management layers, fragmented responsibilities and slower decision-making.
Uber said the restructuring would reduce by 20 per cent the number of employees positioned seven or more layers below the CEO.
Some delivery operations covering restaurants, retail and its Direct white-label delivery business will also be merged, while some engineering and science teams will be consolidated.
Following the restructuring, Uber expects its global workforce to fall to just under 30,000 employees.
The latest cuts represent Uber’s largest workforce reduction since the company eliminated about 6,700 positions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
End of an Era for Nigeria’s Ride-Hailing Market
Uber’s departure marks the end of a 12-year presence in Nigeria and removes one of the country’s biggest international ride-hailing brands from the market.
The company’s exit is expected to reshape competition in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding e-hailing industry, with rival platforms left to compete for Uber’s former customers and drivers.
For millions of Nigerians who relied on Uber for daily commuting, business trips and inter-city transportation, September 2 marks the end of an era that began with the company’s launch in Lagos in 2014.
