US ride-hailing giant Uber shut down its services in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, following a global review of its operations in the continent.
The ride-hailing giant said it had come to the “difficult decision” after a thorough review of its business. “This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent,” an Uber spokesperson was quoted as saying by Bloomberg . The Nigerian market has also become increasingly difficult for ride-hailing companies, with drivers staging protests and industrial action in recent years over rising operating costs, low fares and poor working conditions, according to BBC .
The removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy following President Bola Tinubu’s election in 2023 further pushed up the cost of living, which had earlier kept petroleum product prices low in the country for decades. It also said its help centre would remain open in Nigeria and Uganda until September 23 to address outstanding issues.
“This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent,” said an Uber spokesperson in response to questions, Bloomberg reported. Another user said that while Uber has shut down operations in markets before, it has typically informed drivers in advance, paid them and then wound down operations. As Uber shut down its operations in the two countries with “immediate” effect and without prior notice, the company said it would support employees and drivers affected by the decision.
