FCCPC probes Uber’s exit from Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced an investigation into Uber’s exit from Nigeria, with particular attention on the ride-hailing company’s handling of services that were not fulfilled for customers.

The Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, disclosed this on Sunday while speaking to Bloomberg, saying the commission was examining the circumstances surrounding the company’s withdrawal from the Nigerian market.

Bello said the investigation would focus particularly on issues involving customers who had paid for or were expecting services that were left unfulfilled following Uber’s decision to shut down its Nigerian operations.

“We are looking into the manner of their exit, particularly in respect of unfulfilled services to the customers,” Bello said.

Uber shuts down Nigerian operations

Uber announced on September 2 that it would wind down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, with the decision taking effect the same day.

The company said the move followed a review of its operations and stressed that the decision was limited to the two countries and would not affect its wider operations across Africa.

“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,” Uber said.

The sudden withdrawal marked the end of Uber’s operations in the Nigerian market after years of providing app-based ride-hailing services to customers in major cities.

FCCPC focuses on consumer interests

The FCCPC’s investigation comes as questions emerge over how customers and other stakeholders would be affected by the company’s immediate exit.

The commission is particularly interested in whether customers with outstanding or unfulfilled services received appropriate treatment following the shutdown.

The development highlights the role of the consumer protection regulator in ensuring that companies operating in Nigeria comply with consumer protection obligations, including when they discontinue their services.

The outcome of the investigation could determine whether further regulatory action is required over Uber’s exit and its treatment of affected customers.

Rivals move to expand market share

Uber’s departure has also created an opportunity for rival ride-hailing companies to strengthen their positions in Nigeria’s transportation market.

Bolt and inDrive have indicated that they are looking to expand their market share following Uber’s decision to leave the country.

The companies are expected to compete for Uber’s former customers and drivers as the ride-hailing market adjusts to the departure of one of its major operators.

Uber had faced challenges in Nigeria

Uber’s operations in Nigeria had faced several challenges over the years, including disputes with drivers over fares, commission rates and alleged poor treatment.

Drivers staged protests over the issues in 2017, 2023 and 2025, highlighting tensions between the company and some of its driver-partners.

The latest development now places Uber’s exit under regulatory scrutiny as the FCCPC examines whether the company adequately addressed its obligations to customers before winding down its operations.

Global restructuring

Uber’s Nigerian and Ugandan exit also came alongside a broader restructuring by the company.

On September 2, Uber announced plans to cut more than 3,000 jobs globally as part of a restructuring programme aimed at reducing management layers and refocusing spending on its core business.

The company’s withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda was described as limited to those markets and separate from its continued operations in other African countries.

The FCCPC’s probe is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding Uber’s exit from Nigeria and how outstanding customer-related issues will be handled.