Reactions have continued to trail the exit of global e-hailing company, Uber from Nigeria.
Edge Online reports that Uber announced its exit from Nigeria after 12 years of operations on Wednesday.
Uber, in its terse statement on Wednesday, did not state the reason for its exit but noted that the decision was a difficult one.
“We know this is heavy news, and we want to express our deepest gratitude to you for being a part of our journey in Nigeria,” the company stated.
Uber’s exit has stirred reactions among Nigerians over the last 24 hours, while other e-hailing services, including Bolt and inDrive, have vowed to remain in Nigeria’s market, which is valued at $450 million in 2026.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON, condemned Uber’s exit.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Jossy Adaraniwon, the union said Uber’s exit was due to its alleged “exploitative foundational business model.”
The union also slammed Uber for its alleged disregard for the plight of workers who helped build the platform over the years.
“There was no consultation or transition plan for the thousands of Nigerian drivers who helped build the platform,” the union said.
According to Bolaji Fasomade, an investment analyst, Uber did not shut down because of Nigeria’s economy but because it could no longer compete effectively.
“Uber isn’t shutting down because of Nigeria’s economy; it’s shutting down because it can no longer innovate and compete effectively in the Nigerian market,” he said.
Also reacting, Akin Olaoye said: “Uber @uberng is gone from Nigeria after 12 years. I am not surprised.
“This market punishes platforms that assume trust.
“The company built the marketplace, while the driver shows up and asks the rider to go offline, keeping the full fare. Zero work locating the passenger!
“100% of the money treated as entitlement.
“This is not government or economy or market forces; it’s culture! We are too comfortable circumventing the system that made the transaction possible.”
“Bolt, inDrive & others will inherit the demand and the same leak. Uber also never gave riders a reason to stay honest, no real loyalty, no rewards.
“For example, after 10 trips, a free trip. Customers were not incentivized for refusing side deals.
“Localize or die! They obviously chose not to. Sad, but predictable,” he wrote on X.
Former aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, said:
“Did Bad Actors Help Drive Uber Away?
“Uber’s departure from the Nigerian market has generated a lot of mixed debate, as expected, but in my opinion, one factor that may have contributed to the company’s exit is the growing practice among some drivers of asking passengers to cancel booked trips. I am sure the phrase, ‘Please cancel the trip so we can go offline,’ has become familiar to many riders.
“On the surface, this may appear to be a minor inconvenience. Still, when such behaviour becomes widespread, it can pose a serious threat to the sustainability of any ride-hailing platform.
“Many drivers use Uber’s platform only to access customers, benefit from the technology the company has built, and then take those customers off the platform to avoid paying the agreed commission.
“Over time, this created a situation in which the platform bore the cost of attracting and connecting drivers with passengers, while drivers sought to enjoy the benefits without contributing their fair share to the system.
“Hopefully, those ‘let’s go offline’ drivers will now adjust their ways and understand that they have a responsibility to pay their dues. Otherwise, their short-term greed could end up driving Bolt, inDrive and other ride-hailing platforms out of the country as well,” he wrote on X.
For former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani:
“Uber has left Nigeria. A good opportunity for our local startups to take over the business. Even our taxi unions can create an app and become our Uber. It’s not rocket science,” he stated on X.
Similarly, Dr Yakubu Sani Wudil said:
“Uber has left Nigeria.
“The drivers are still here.
“The cars are still here.
“The passengers are still here.
“What left is the app connecting them.”
“So, why can’t some smart Nigerian entrepreneurs build another platform and take over the market?
“The infrastructure is already here. The market is already here.
“Good business opportunity,” he wrote on X.
