Uber’s decision to end its operations in Nigeria has left ride-hailing drivers facing fresh financial uncertainty, particularly those who financed their vehicles and depend on daily earnings to repay loans and cover rising operating costs.
Uber Technologies Inc. discontinued its Nigerian operations on Wednesday, September 2, ending its 12-year presence in the country. The company said it was shifting investment towards markets where it could create greater value and scale opportunities for drivers and riders.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria said affected drivers would now have to migrate to competing platforms, including Bolt, FastRide and inDrive, to continue earning.
The union’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, said the transition would be difficult for drivers already struggling with fuel, maintenance and other operating expenses.
“Now they have to migrate officially to Bolt and inDrive,” Iwindoye said.
Loan concerns mount
Uber’s withdrawal has also raised concerns over vehicles obtained through financing arrangements. Uber partnered with mobility company Moove to provide financed vehicles for drivers operating on its platform, with some UberGo drivers previously required to operate exclusively on Uber.
With the platform gone, affected drivers face uncertainty over how they will continue earning while meeting their vehicle repayment obligations.
For drivers relying on daily income to service loans, reduced earnings could lead to repayment difficulties and possible defaults.
The union said many drivers were already struggling to maintain their vehicles.
“Look at the condition of our car; many of us don’t even have money to maintain, to take care of our car,” Iwindoye said.
The situation could also affect vehicle-financing companies, automobile dealers, mechanics and other businesses connected to the ride-hailing industry.
Bolt, FastRide and inDrive eye opportunity
Uber’s exit creates an opportunity for Bolt, FastRide and inDrive to attract its former drivers and customers and expand their market share.
The union said Bolt and inDrive have been more receptive to engagement with drivers through meetings and interactive sessions.
“Bolt, inDrive, sometimes they reach out to us; we do interactive sessions,” Iwindoye said, contrasting this with the union’s experience with Uber.
FastRide, an emerging Nigerian ride-hailing platform, could also benefit from the market shift by attracting drivers and passengers looking for alternatives.
However, the union warned that capturing Uber’s market share alone would not solve the industry’s deeper economic problems. Rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs and loan repayments continue to put pressure on drivers.
Competition among Bolt, FastRide and inDrive could benefit drivers and passengers if the platforms provide competitive fares, better earning opportunities, transparent pricing and stronger driver engagement.
A wider economic challenge
Nigeria’s ride-hailing and mobility market was valued at about $450m in 2025 and is projected to reach $982m by 2032, according to Ken Research.
The projected growth highlights strong demand for ride-hailing services, but market growth does not automatically translate into profitability for companies or sustainable earnings for drivers.
Uber’s withdrawal therefore underscores the broader challenge facing Nigeria’s digital economy: creating an environment where technology companies can remain profitable while workers and small operators can earn enough to sustain their businesses.
Uber said its withdrawal was specific to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its other African operations. The company said it remained committed to sub-Saharan Africa and would support drivers, riders and employees affected by the transition.
For Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, the departure of Uber is not only a change in market leadership but also a test of how well competing platforms can absorb drivers, protect livelihoods and contribute to a more sustainable digital transportation economy.
