The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied that its policies at the country’s airports were responsible for Uber’s decision to cease operations in Nigeria. The clarification was reported by Punch Newspapers on Saturday, September 5, 2026, following earlier reports that the ride-hailing company had shut down its services in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect.
According to Punch Newspapers, FAAN stated that its airport regulations were not the factor that drove Uber out of the Nigerian market. The agency’s response comes after media coverage suggested a possible link between airport operating rules and the company’s exit. Vanguard News also reported on FAAN’s explanation for why Uber left, though specific details of the agency’s stated reasons were not included in the available summary.
The exit opens up the Nigerian ride-hailing sector for competitors. TheCable reported that Bolt and inDrive have moved in to fill the gap left by Uber’s departure. Meanwhile, The Guardian Nigeria News noted that inDrive has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian market, even as the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATON) pushes for better conditions for drivers.
Uber’s withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda marks a significant shift in the region’s transport technology landscape. The company’s immediate shutdown affects both passengers and drivers who relied on its platform. FAAN’s denial suggests the decision was based on broader business considerations rather than specific airport policies.
What to watch next: Whether rival platforms like Bolt and inDrive can sustain service quality and driver satisfaction in the wake of Uber’s departure.
