African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, blaming the administration’s reforms for the exit of ride-hailing company Uber from Nigeria.
Uber officially ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria on September 2, 2026, after 12 years of operating in the country.
While the company attributed its departure to an internal review of its investment priorities across Africa, Atiku argued that worsening economic conditions and declining purchasing power contributed significantly to the decision.
The former vice president made his position known through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Shaibu said the economic environment had made it increasingly difficult for both Uber drivers and passengers to sustain operations.
“Dear @officialABAT, Uber did not leave because Nigerians stopped needing rides. It left because, under your economy, passengers could no longer afford the fares and drivers could no longer earn enough to feed their families,” he stated.
He cited rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, exchange-rate volatility, car loans and regulatory charges as some of the challenges affecting the ride-hailing sector.
“Fuel went up. Spare parts, car loans and repairs went up. The naira fell. Then came more taxes and licence fees from your Taiwo Oyedele,” Shaibu said.
He further accused the government of imposing additional costs on Nigerians through what he described as a “stealth tax on movement.”
According to him, Uber was caught between passengers who could no longer afford higher fares and drivers whose earnings were being eroded by rising operating costs.
“Uber could not increase fares because Nigerians were already struggling. It could not keep fares low because drivers were losing money. After 12 years, it packed its bags, leaving behind lost jobs, lost incomes and more worried families,” he added.
Atiku consequently called on the Tinubu administration to reconsider its economic approach and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living while creating a more favourable environment for businesses.
“Mr. Bola, stop calling this reform. Any policy that empties pockets, kills jobs and drives businesses out of Nigeria is organised hardship and wickedness raised to an ontological level,” he said.
Atiku added: “You @officialABAT made life expensive. Atiku will make Nigeria affordable again.”
