Even though Bolt and inDrive have vowed to remain in Nigeria despite the exit of ride-hailing company Uber, drivers and operators have warned that high platform commissions, rising fuel and maintenance costs, and regulatory pressures could undermine the sector and lead to further exits by other platforms, LEADERSHIP can report.

Recall that Uber discontinued its Nigerian operations on September 2, 2026, ending a 12-year presence that began with its launch in Lagos in 2014. The company said the decision followed a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa, but did not disclose specific Nigerian financial or operational factors behind the withdrawal.

The exit comes as Nigeria’s ride-hailing and mobility platforms market is estimated at $450 million in 2025, with the sector projected to grow at an annual rate of 11.8 per cent to about $982 million by 2032, according to an industry market estimate.

For drivers, however, the central concern is not merely the loss of another platform but the economics of remaining on the road.

A ride-hailing operator, Azeez Jelil Kayode, said Uber’s exit would not necessarily leave drivers without alternatives because many drivers already operate across multiple platforms.

“Formerly, we knew most drivers shuttle between Bolt, inDrive and Uber. Now that the numbers have reduced, what would be the impact of this exit?” he asked rhetorically.

He argued that drivers were likely to move quickly to the remaining platforms, particularly inDrive, because of its lower fee structure and price-negotiation model.

“It will really not affect drivers that much because we have a lot of apps. Most drivers who have been using Uber before now have no choice but to switch to inDrive or Bolt,” Jelil said.

According to him, inDrive’s model gives drivers greater control because fares can be negotiated between drivers and passengers rather than being determined entirely by the platform.

“InDrive makes its app a little bit flexible in such a way that the driver and the rider can negotiate the price on the app. You know what you are taking, and you know what you are paying,” he said.

However, Jelil maintained that high commissions remain a major concern for drivers.

“If you are taking 20-something per cent from a driver, that is crazy. Drivers are looking for alternatives, and many drivers have already shifted their attention towards inDrive”

However, hailing rider users expressed their reactions to the developments in the e-hailing sector.

Another driver, Tunde Adebayo, said Uber’s departure was significant because the company was one of the major players that helped shape Nigeria’s app-based transport market.

“Uber’s exit is significant because it has been one of the major players in Nigeria’s ride-hailing market. However, it also shows that operating a technology-driven transport business in Nigeria requires more than just having a good platform,” Adebayo said.

According to him, rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, technology costs and regulatory obligations were putting pressure on the margins of both operators and drivers.

“With rising operating costs, vehicle maintenance, fuel prices and regulatory demands, operators can face serious pressure on margins.

“Competition is important, but the market must also be sustainable for both operators and drivers, and if it’s not, I assure you this will cause another exit from the Nigeria market,” he added.