The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into ride-hailing giant Uber following its sudden and unannounced operational exit from the Nigerian market.
The regulatory body expressed severe concern over the tech company’s abrupt shutdown, highlighting that the unilateral decision has left thousands of local gig workers—primarily drivers—financially stranded and millions of consumers without recourse.
The agency noted that Uber’s hasty departure without adequate notice, transitional framework, or transparent communication raises serious compliance issues regarding consumer protection laws, contract obligations, and fair competition practices in Nigeria.
Central to the FCCPC’s probe is the protection of local drivers who had heavily invested in vehicles and dedicated their livelihoods to the platform. The commission aims to examine whether Uber fulfilled its financial commitments, including the payout of pending earnings, processing of driver incentives, and proper handling of user data and pre-paid consumer balances before shutting down its local operations.
Regulators emphasized that foreign corporate entities operating within Nigeria cannot simply liquidate or abandon their local footprint without adhering to established statutory protocols designed to safeguard the domestic economy and protect market participants.
Furthermore, the FCCPC indicated that it will work closely with relevant ministry officials, transport unions, and legal representatives to assess the broader socio-economic impact of the sudden exit.
The commission warned that should the investigation uncover deliberate regulatory evasion, unfair trade practices, or breach of consumer rights, appropriate legal sanctions and compensatory mandates will be enforced against the firm’s global corporate entities. Through this action, the Nigerian government seeks to reinforce regulatory oversight over foreign digital platforms and ensure that corporate accountability is maintained across all economic sectors.