“Things will become even tougher for us,” Uber drivers say after Nigeria exit

The ride-hailing giant Uber announced on Wednesday its decision to exit Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026. This move came as a shock to many drivers who had built their livelihoods around the platform. Mezie, a driver with years of experience, expressed his disappointment, stating that Uber's reputation among customers had made it an important source of business for him.

The company's exit would leave Nigerian drivers facing the loss of a major source of demand, leaving them questioning how they will replace the income.

David, another driver, had invested in a car specifically for Uber. He feared the exit would affect his income significantly, as he had spent about a decade working with the platform. Abdul-azeez Sule, yet another driver, expressed worry about the financial impact of the decision, asking if the Federal Government could do anything to help.

Peggy Oyibo, a driver based in Port Harcourt, emphasized that Uber was the only ride-hailing platform she used, and its exit threatened a significant source of income for her and her family.

Uber stated that the decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda was part of a shift in its business priorities and investment focus across Africa. The company promised to support drivers, riders, and local team members throughout the transition. Drivers received a one-off discretionary "goodwill payment" as they transitioned away from the platform. However, the drivers' concerns remain, as they face the uncertainty of finding a new platform that can provide comparable demand, earnings, and access to customers.