Shehu Sani also argued that providing the services the global ride-hailing company rendered is “not rocket science”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has reacted to the decision of global ride-hailing company Uber to leave Nigeria, saying it creates business opportunities for startups and “taxi unions”.
He made this known late on Wednesday night in a post he shared on his official X page after the company announced plans to wind down its operations.
Uber had earlier made it known that it would be exiting Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, and the East African nation of Uganda with immediate effect.
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.”
ALSO READ: Uber announces its exit from Nigeria after 12 years
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.
Reacting to Uber’s decision to cease operations in Nigeria after 12 years, Shehu Sani noted that it is a welcome development, urging businesses in the country to take over its role.
Taking to his verified handle, the former Kaduna State senator wrote: “Uber has left Nigeria. A good opportunity for our local startups to takeover the business. Even our Taxi unions can create an app become our Uber. Its not rocket science”
After the post by the former legislator made the rounds online, it elicited mixed reactions among Nigerians; while some netizens agreed with him, others disagreed, saying he ought to be worried that businesses are closing down in the country.
