Drivers, customers react to Uber exit from Nigeria
Drivers and customers of Uber in Abuja have expressed mixed reactions to the decision by the ride-hailing company to discontinue its operations in Nigeria. While some described the development as disappointing and likely to affect their income and transportation costs, others said the exit would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to patronise indigenous ride-hailing companies. […]
The ride-hailing giant Uber has announced it will be withdrawing its services from Nigeria, leaving drivers and customers in the country with a mix of reactions. For Uber driver Friday Ayegba, the news is deeply disappointing, as the platform had been a crucial source of income for him and his family. He praised the app's navigation system and driver promos that helped reduce his operational expenses, describing Uber as an indispensable part of his life.
On the other hand, Uber customer Mercy Marcus expressed sadness over the departure, as the company had been one of the most affordable means of transportation for her. She lamented the loss of the affordability and comfort associated with the service, noting that she would have to pay more for alternative ride-hailing options.
Former Uber communications executive Francesca Uriri described the company's exit from Nigeria as a painful loss, emphasizing that the platform had become intertwined with the lives and stories of many people. She remembered individuals such as the company's first female driver-partner, Madam Blessing, and Tobi, a National Youth Service Corps member who won a new car through the platform.
Uriri also paid tribute to her fellow employees, calling them "easily the most talented, driven and passionate people" she had ever worked with.
The withdrawal of Uber marks a significant shift in Nigeria's ride-hailing industry, which had seen the company become a major player in urban mobility since its launch in Lagos in 2014. The decision comes amid a challenging operating environment, characterized by rising costs and intense competition from other platforms like Bolt, InDrive, and the state-sponsored LagRide.
However, Uber's exit is also linked to a broader restructuring of its global business, with the company focusing on autonomous mobility and simplifying its organisational structure.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
