By Nathaniel Irobi
Uber Technologies Inc. has announced it will officially shut down its operations in Nigeria effective September 2, 2026, bringing a 12-year chapter of its presence in Africa’s largest economy to an abrupt end.
The exit forms part of a sweeping global restructuring that will see the company eliminate approximately 3,300 roles—representing 10% of its total workforce—with cuts concentrated in management and coordination positions.
In a statement addressed to Nigerian users on Wednesday, the San Francisco-based company described the decision as “difficult” and apologised for the disruption to daily commutes and travel routines.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life,” the company said. “We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.”
Uber’s Nigerian exit is not an isolated market retreat but a consequence of a broader organisational overhaul. In a separate memo to global staff, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi explained that the company’s rapid growth over the past five years—with revenues nearly tripling—had introduced “complexity” that now hampers efficiency.
“More layers, more coordination, more fragmented ownership,” Khosrowshahi wrote. “We are removing layers, simplifying team structures, and refining our global location strategy.”
The CEO emphasised that the layoffs were not a reflection of employee performance but a strategic move to generate savings that will be reinvested into “growth, innovation, and the autonomous future.”
Uber first entered the Nigerian market in 2014, revolutionising urban mobility in Lagos before expanding to other cities. Its departure leaves a significant void, though local competitors such as Bolt, inDrive, and homegrown platforms are expected to absorb displaced drivers and riders.
The company confirmed that affected Nigerian employees will be notified in accordance with local labour regulations. Meanwhile, users have been advised to make alternative transportation arrangements ahead of the September 2 shutdown date.
This latest round of job cuts follows earlier layoffs in Uber’s customer service and human resources divisions earlier this year, signalling an aggressive push toward a leaner operational model under Khosrowshahi’s leadership.
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