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Uber to end ride-hailing in Nigeria, Uganda September 2, 2026

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 11:37 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Uber Exits Nigeria

Uber will cease ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda on September 2 2026.
Uber said the exits result from a thorough review of African business priorities.
In Nigeria, fuel-subsidy removal, naira volatility and higher vehicle costs drove a March driver strike.
Nigerian Uber drivers pay 25-30% commission plus fuel, maintenance, insurance and fines, leaving minimal profit.
Uber announced a global reduction of about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of its workforce.

Summary

Ride-hailing Faces Regulation

The firm plans to submit its Hong Kong licence by the end of October, GM Estyn Chung said.
Hong Kong mandates ride-hailing firms prove service in cities with over 7.5 million residents and 100,000 orders.
Costa Rica operators will protest at 1 p.m. in Zapote against a bill that could lift ride-hailing bans.
The pending Costa Rica law would require digital-transport platforms to register, pay taxes and obtain authorisation before operating.

History

Historical Context

In September 2017, Transport for London revoked Uber’s operating licence after safety and regulatory breaches, forcing the company off the city’s streets. The decision followed a £1.5 billion settlement with the UK government and a 30 percent drop in daily rides, as reported by Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office. Similarly, Uber’s 2026 exits from Nigeria and Uganda and its pending Hong Kong licence submission echo the same municipal demands for compliance and costly service thresholds. These setbacks compel ride-hailing firms to redesign pricing, secure local authorisations, and avoid further global market withdrawals.

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Uber Exits Nigeria

Uber will cease ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda on September 2 2026.
Uber said the exits result from a thorough review of African business priorities.
In Nigeria, fuel-subsidy removal, naira volatility and higher vehicle costs drove a March driver strike.
Nigerian Uber drivers pay 25-30% commission plus fuel, maintenance, insurance and fines, leaving minimal profit.
Uber announced a global reduction of about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of its workforce.

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