After 12 years of operation, Uber has withdrawn from Nigeria’s ride-hailing market, leaving thousands of drivers and millions of users scrambling for alternatives. The global e-hailing giant announced the decision on Wednesday without providing specific reasons, calling it a difficult choice and expressing gratitude to Nigerians who supported the platform.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria condemned the exit. Through spokesperson Jossy Adaraniwon, the union blamed what it called Uber’s “exploitative foundational business model” and criticized the company for failing to consult drivers or provide a transition plan for workers who helped build the platform over the years.
What really ed Uber’s Nigerian operations? Investment analyst Bolaji Fasomade argued the company failed due to competitive pressures rather than economic conditions. He stated that Uber could no longer innovate and compete effectively in the local market, which is valued at $450 million as of 2026.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad highlighted another issue: drivers asking passengers to cancel trips and go offline to avoid paying platform commissions. This practice, he suggested, undermined the business model by allowing drivers to exploit Uber’s technology while denying the company revenue. Competing platforms Bolt and inDrive have pledged to continue serving Nigerian customers.
Leave a comment