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Nigeria Opens Antitrust Review Into Uber’s Market Departure

Haya Al-Ghamdi·September 8, 2026·2 min read

Nigeria’s antitrust agency has launched a probe into Uber’s decision to cease operations in the country, according to bloomberg.com. The investigation follows the ride-hailing company’s abrupt announcement that it would stop running in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, as reported by the BBC.

Uber’s exit brings an end to a 12-year presence in Nigeria, per TechCabal. The company had been active in the West African nation since 2014, offering its platform to drivers and riders in major cities. The move leaves local competitors to fill the gap, though the antitrust review suggests regulators are concerned about the broader market impact.

Bloomberg.com reports that Nigeria’s competition authority is examining the circumstances around Uber’s departure. The probe is likely to focus on whether the exit violates any market conduct rules or leaves consumers and drivers without adequate alternatives. The review adds a layer of scrutiny to a decision that has already drawn reactions from industry groups.

uber

According to Realnews Magazine, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATON) has used Uber’s exit as a call for greater influence over fares and commission structures. The union’s response points to ongoing tensions between ride-hailing platforms and local operators, which may have played a role in the company’s decision to pull out.

The shutdown also raises questions for Nigerian creatives and other professionals who relied on Uber for logistics or income, as noted by WETALKSOUND. While the full scope of the impact is still unclear, the antitrust probe will be a key development to follow in the coming weeks.

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