Uber’s exit opens new battle for Nigeria’s ride-hailing market

Ride-sharing firm Bolt has pledged to persist in Nigeria even after Uber's withdrawal and amidst hurdles in the country's transportation sector. In a statement shared with Nairametrics, Bolt affirmed its commitment to the nation, promising to enhance its services and broaden opportunities for residents, drivers, and other parties involved.

This declaration came on the same day Uber declared it would discontinue its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective from September 2, 2026, as a result of a review of its business strategies and investments across Africa. Uber disclosed that its focus in Nigeria remains on delivering dependable transportation options for passengers, generating income opportunities for drivers, and collaborating with stakeholders to boost Nigeria's transportation infrastructure.

Previously, Nairametrics reported that Uber had ceased its activities in Nigeria and Uganda, immediately. The company attributed this decision to a comprehensive examination and limited the move to the two markets, with no effect on its operations elsewhere in Africa. Uber's announcement suggested that the market wasn't conducive to its needs, stating it would now concentrate its investments on markets where it could provide the most value to drivers by offering earning possibilities at scale and enabling riders to travel without complications.

However, Uber clarified that its departure from Nigeria isn't related to the recent directive from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) regarding e-hailing services at Nigerian airports. FAAN had allegedly banned Uber, Bolt, and other operators from operating at Nigerian airports, a claim that FAAN later refuted. Recently, FAAN announced that it had granted Bolt permission to resume e-hailing services at FAAN-managed airports following a brief interruption that caused inconveniences and raised transportation expenses for passengers.

Following Uber's exit, Nigerians now have limited alternatives, with only three major ride-hailing platforms remaining: Bolt, Lagos-supported LagRide, and InDrive. This implies fewer options for drivers and passengers who typically evaluate rates across platforms before deciding which to utilize. While some drivers manage multiple platforms, those relying solely on Uber will now have to switch to other platforms or cease their activities.