FCCPC Probes Uber’s Exit From Nigeria Over Customer Obligations

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has begun investigating Uber’s exit from Nigeria, focusing on whether the ride-hailing company left behind unfulfilled services or obligations to customers.

Tunji Bello, Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, disclosed this in a text message to Bloomberg, saying the commission was examining the circumstances surrounding Uber’s departure.

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

The investigation comes days after Uber announced that it would wind down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026.

The decision ended Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria after the company launched its ride-hailing service in Lagos in 2014.

The FCCPC’s investigation could place greater attention on what happens to customers when a major digital platform shuts down its operations.

The commission is particularly interested in whether Uber had outstanding services or obligations to customers when it ceased operations.

The development highlights the regulatory challenges that can arise when technology companies exit markets where they have built large customer and driver networks.

For ride-hailing platforms, such obligations can extend beyond trip requests to issues involving payments, refunds, customer complaints and other unresolved transactions.

Airport Regulation Dispute

Uber’s departure also followed a disagreement with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the regulation of e-hailing services at airports.

FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said the authority had no role in Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria.

She said FAAN’s interventions were driven by concerns around passenger safety, accountability and touting at airports.

According to Ms Kuku, the authority had been seeking clearer liability provisions from e-hailing companies regarding the conduct and safety of drivers operating through their platforms.

“One of the issues we were struggling with the e-hailing companies over was largely around liability clauses,” she said.

Ms Kuku said FAAN also wanted platforms to accept greater responsibility for drivers operating through their services.

“But we also wanted them to take responsibility for the drivers. However, we were told that those drivers are not Uber’s drivers; rather, they are independent drivers,” she said.

She said the position created difficulties when safety concerns were raised.

“So, with regard to any safety concerns we raised, they wanted passengers to use the safety features available on their platforms. They did not want to take on that responsibility, and we had a major issue with that,” Ms Kuku said.

What Uber’s Exit Means For Nigeria’s Ride-Hailing Market

Uber’s withdrawal leaves Nigerian riders and drivers with fewer major international ride-hailing platforms, although competitors such as Bolt and inDrive remain active.

The exit also raises questions about how technology platforms should manage customer and driver relationships when they discontinue services in a market.

For regulators, the FCCPC investigation could provide a test of the obligations digital platforms are expected to fulfil when winding down operations.

The commission has yet to disclose the scope, timeline or possible outcome of its examination.