Uber Exits Nigeria After 12 Years as ADC Blames Tinubu’s Policies for ‘Business Graveyard’

Uber Technologies Inc. has discontinued its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026, after a 12-year presence.

The African Democratic Congress has blamed the exit on President Tinubu’s economic policies, describing Nigeria as a “graveyard of businesses.”

A Major Setback for Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem

Uber Technologies Inc. has discontinued its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

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An Uber spokesperson disclosed that the company made the decision after reviewing its “evolving business priorities and investment focus” across the continent.

The withdrawal is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and will not affect Uber’s operations in its other African markets.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the spokesperson said.

Twelve Years of Operations

Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, launching first in Lagos and later expanding to Abuja in 2016.

That launch marked the start of ride-hailing in a market where app-based trips were still new, and Uber quickly became one of the notable players in Nigeria’s urban transport scene.

The company said it was shifting investment towards markets where it believes it can create the most value.

ADC Blames Tinubu’s Policies

Reacting to the exit, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the shutdown as evidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies are turning Nigeria into a “graveyard of businesses”.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the growing list of businesses shutting down exposes the widening gap between the government’s claims of economic progress and the reality confronting businesses and ordinary Nigerians.

“Certainly, a 0.2% growth does not justify the extreme hardship that Nigerians are suffering,” the party said.

The ADC argued that while the Tinubu government celebrates a marginal improvement of 0.2 percentage points, Nigeria’s poverty rate has snowballed to 63%, affecting an estimated 140 million Nigerians.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

Uber’s exit after 12 years is a stark reminder that no foreign investment is permanent.

Companies come and go based on market conditions, profitability and global strategy. But the political reaction, blaming or defending the government, misses the point.

For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: do not rely on foreign companies to solve your problems.

The same politicians who blame each other for business exits will never allow their own children to be dependent on a single source of income.

Their children are diversified, educated and protected.Build local solutions.

Diversify your skills. And never allow yourself to be used as a pawn in political battles.