Uber on Wednesday announced the discontinuation of its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Sept. 2.
Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications for Uber in East and West Africa, made this known in a statement in Lagos.
Onduru said the decision followed a review of the company’s evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa. She added that the resolution was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect operations in the rest of the continent.
“Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity,” Onduru said.
She said Uber’s immediate priority was supporting affected drivers, riders and employees throughout the transition. The company has begun communicating directly with them about the arrangements following the discontinuation.
Active drivers will receive a token of appreciation as they transition off the platform. Rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations cease to address outstanding and transition-related issues.
Uber for Business services in Nigeria will also be discontinued, and partners are being contacted about the transition.
On data privacy, Onduru said rider information would continue to be handled in line with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and the company’s data protection policies. Data retention will be limited to legally required periods, with appropriate security controls remaining in place.
Onduru clarified that the decision to exit Nigeria was not connected to the recent FAAN directive on e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports. The exit is driven by Uber’s broader review of business priorities and investment focus across the continent.
