The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has begun an investigation into Uber's abrupt exit from Nigeria, with particular attention to how the ride-hailing company handled unfulfilled services owed to customers.
FCCPC confirms investigation into Uber's departure
FCCPC Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello disclosed the investigation in an interview with Bloomberg on Sunday, September 6. Bello said officials of the commission were “looking into the manner of their exit, particularly in respect of unfulfilled services to the customers.”
The investigation follows Uber's announcement on September 2 that it would wind down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective the same day. The company stated, “After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026. This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent.”
Rivals Bolt and inDrive move to fill the gap
Following the announcement, rival ride-hailing companies Bolt and inDrive said they were looking to expand their market share by filling the gap created by Uber's departure. Both companies are expected to compete for the users and drivers left without a platform.
Uber also announced on September 2 that it was cutting more than 3,000 jobs globally as part of a major restructuring aimed at reducing management layers and refocusing spending on its core business. This global move comes alongside the exit from Nigeria and Uganda, signaling a broader strategic shift for the company.
Background of Uber's challenges in Nigeria
The company had faced challenges during its operations in Nigeria, including disputes with drivers over fares, commission rates and working conditions. Drivers staged protests over such issues in 2017, 2023 and 2025, highlighting ongoing tensions between the platform and its workforce.
The FCCPC's investigation will now examine whether Uber fulfilled its obligations to Nigerian consumers before leaving the market. The commission's focus on unfulfilled services suggests that some customers may have had pending trips or credits that were not honored at the time of the shutdown.
This probe adds to the regulatory scrutiny Uber has faced in other markets, as authorities worldwide examine the practices of ride-hailing platforms. The outcome of the FCCPC's investigation could set a precedent for how such exits are handled in Nigeria, potentially influencing future regulatory actions in the sector.
