Uber Exits Nigeria After 12 Years, Announces 3,300 Job Cuts Globally

Uber has shut down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026, ending a 12-year run in one of its earliest African markets, and confirmed a global restructuring that will cut about 3,300 jobs worldwide.

In a statement sent to Nigerian users on Wednesday, the company said the exit followed "a thorough review" of its business. "We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026," Uber said, thanking users for "trusting the platform" and apologising for the disruption.

Uber launched in Lagos in 2014 and later expanded to other major Nigerian cities, becoming one of the country's leading ride-hailing platforms and helping popularise app-based transport. Its Help Centre will remain available until September 23, 2026, to handle outstanding account-related enquiries as the wind-down completes.

Uganda is exiting on the same date. Uber left Tanzania earlier this year. The company says the decision is limited to these markets, does not affect its other African operations, and that it remains committed to growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. It has not disclosed specific financial or operational reasons for the exits from Nigeria and Uganda.

The country exits were announced the same day Uber told staff it is cutting roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, about 3,300 employees, mainly in management and coordination roles. In a memo to employees, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the cuts were part of "significant organisational changes" aimed at removing layers and simplifying team structures. "A leaner organisation will mean clearer ownership, faster decisions, and more time spent building rather than coordinating," he said, adding that the savings would be reinvested in growth and innovation.

Uber has roughly 34,000 employees across more than 70 countries, according to a recent SEC filing. Khosrowshahi said the company's rapid growth over the past five years, with revenue nearly tripling, had added complexity that no longer serves the business at its current scale. Employees affected by the layoffs have already been notified, except in countries where local process requirements apply.

Uber has not said whether the Nigeria and Uganda exits are directly tied to the global restructuring. The latest cuts follow earlier layoffs this year in the company's customer service and human resources departments.