Uber makes ‘insane’ exit from Nigeria, Uganda, goes offline during rides

Uber shut down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect on Wednesday, according to a Hindustan Times report, with some riders and drivers reportedly still mid-trip when the platform went offline.

The abrupt exit, effective September 2, came without a prior wind-down period, unlike previous market exits where the company typically gave weeks of notice.

An Uber spokesperson told Bloomberg the decision followed a “thorough review” and was limited strictly to the two countries, adding the company remains “deeply committed to sub-Saharan Africa.”

The exit is part of a broader global restructuring, with Bloomberg reporting Uber plans to cut about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of its workforce, as CEO Dara Khosrowshahi redirects resources toward autonomous vehicles.

In Nigeria, drivers have long complained about low fares and high commissions, facing competition from Bolt and inDrive. Uber now operates in only four African countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Its help centres remain open until September 23.