Uber Exits Nigeria, Uganda After 12 Years, Cuts 3,300 Jobs Globally

Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced it will wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

In a statement sent to Nairametrics, the company said the decision followed a “thorough review” and affects only the two markets. It added that operations in other African countries will continue.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said.
The company stated that its immediate priority is to support drivers, riders and local team members through the transition.

Nairametrics can confirm that the exit from Nigeria and Uganda is part of a wider restructuring. In an internal email published Wednesday, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber will lay off 3,300 people, representing about 10% of its global workforce.

The email said the layoffs are part of efforts to reduce the number of managers by 20%. Some affected managers will move into individual contributor roles.

The company said it is concentrating investments in markets where it can create the most value for drivers and provide seamless services for riders.

Uber also said it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, describing the region as one with “robust growth and long-term opportunity.”

The company said it is communicating directly with affected employees, drivers and riders. For Nigeria, Uber said it will support employees through the transition and has reached out to active drivers with “a token of our appreciation.”

Uber did not disclose the number of employees, drivers or riders affected in Nigeria and Uganda.

Uber said customer support will remain available for 21 days after operations end to handle outstanding queries.

It also assured users that personal data will be handled in line with data protection laws. The company said it will limit data retention to what is legally required and maintain security controls.

Uber for Business services in Nigeria and Uganda will also be discontinued. The company said it is engaging corporate partners directly to support them through the exit.

Uber clarified that the decision was not connected to the recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, on e-hailing operations at airports.

Asked if the FAAN issue triggered the exit, a company spokesperson said “No,” adding that the decision was based on business priorities and investment focus across Africa.

The clarification comes days after FAAN said it had cleared Bolt to resume airport operations following a temporary disruption, while talks with other operators including Uber were ongoing.

With Uber’s exit, Nigerians are left with three major ride-hailing platforms: Bolt, Lagos-backed LagRide, and InDrive.

The development reduces options for riders who compare prices across platforms. Drivers who operated solely on Uber will now have to join other platforms or exit the business.

Uber launched in Lagos 12 years ago.