Uber is gone. Its users must find another way around Nigeria.

Iyanu, a video producer based in Abuja, was shocked when she learned that Uber had decided to close its operations in Nigeria after being present in the market for 12 years. She initially thought the news was fake, as she had always relied on the ride-hailing app to get around the city. Thousands of Nigerians who frequently used Uber were left questioning what would happen next.

Uber's departure also reshapes a market that has been marked by high operating costs, disputes with drivers, and the exit of several ride-hailing companies. In an email to customers and drivers, Uber announced that it would wind down its operations since its launch in Lagos in 2024. Drivers expressed concerns about the difficulty they would face without Uber, but the company offered a one-time discretionary payment to help them transition.

Data analyst Ezekiel Abayomi, who uses a wheelchair, said that Uber was more than just an option for him. The buses in Lagos are not accessible for wheelchair users, making Uber a crucial mode of transportation for him. He will miss the certainty that drivers provided, as they were trained to be considerate towards passengers like him. Abayomi plans to rely on his established relationship with a driver rather than switch to another app.

For some, like Stephanie, a London-based Nigerian who uses Bolt instead of Uber, the adjustment may be relatively simple. However, Uber's exit could still disrupt other aspects of her life, such as her business that uses Uber Courier for affordable logistics. The alternative ride-hailing options in Nigeria, including Bolt, inDrive, and local operators such as LagRide, will need to provide the same level of service that Uber did for its users.