The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has opened an inquiry into Uber’s decision to exit Nigeria, with the regulator examining whether the ride-hailing company left any obligations to riders and drivers unfulfilled.
FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, confirmed the inquiry in a text message to Bloomberg, saying the commission was reviewing the circumstances surrounding Uber’s departure.
According to Bello, the investigation includes services that may not have been completed before the company shut down its Nigerian operations.
Uber announced on September 2 that it was winding down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, bringing its 12-year presence in the Nigerian market to an end.
The company did not provide a specific reason for the withdrawal, saying the decision followed a review of its business priorities. Uber stressed that the move was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its other operations across Africa.
The company said its immediate priority was to support drivers, riders and employees during the transition.
Uber entered the Lagos market in 2014 and grew into one of Nigeria’s leading ride-hailing platforms. However, it faced increasing competition from operators such as Bolt, alongside weaker consumer spending and rising operating costs.
The company has also denied that its Nigerian exit was linked to a recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) restricting e-hailing pick-ups at airports.
The directive had sparked complaints from passengers, prompting FAAN to say it was engaging ride-hailing operators on a new framework covering safety and airport access.
The FCCPC inquiry could now determine whether Uber met its obligations to users and drivers before ending its operations in Nigeria.
