Ibe argued that Nigeria needs policies that encourage companies to establish businesses, remain in the country, and create jobs.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Paul Ibe, media adviser to African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has slammed President Bola Tinubu following an announcement by global ride-hailing company Uber that it is leaving Nigeria with immediate effect.
The former Vice-President’s spokesperson made the comments in a post shared late on Wednesday, 2 September, via his official X page.
After 12 years of operation in the country, Uber made it known on Wednesday that it would cease operations in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria.
The multinational transportation and technology company, in a statement sent to its customers’ email addresses, wrote: “We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026.”
The ride-hailing giant, which noted that it launched its services in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos, in 2014, also thanked its customers in the country for using its platform over the years.
However, rejecting the suggestion that Uber’s departure arose from changes in the company’s global business priorities or investment plans, Ibe attributed it to the Tinubu-led administration’s handling of the economy.
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He argued that businesses in Nigeria are currently facing growing economic difficulties, citing high inflation, an unstable currency, rising operating costs, reduced consumer purchasing power, and uncertainty over government policies.
Ibe went on to query why Nigeria was becoming an increasingly difficult place for businesses to operate, describing the country as a “business graveyard” where companies prefer to leave rather than invest and expand.
He said, “An administration that promised to attract investment cannot continue celebrating economic statistics while companies shut down, scale back, or redirect investments elsewhere.”
The ADC chieftain’s aide further stated that Nigeria needs policies that would encourage companies to establish businesses, remain in the country, and create jobs.
He described Uber’s exit as a warning sign that the government’s economic policies have not yet created the investment-friendly environment that Nigerians were promised.
“Indeed, Tinubunomics is powered by ‘bole kaja’ policies,” Ibe added.
