Nigeria has formalised a new partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA) through a Joint Work Programme aimed at improving energy data, policy development and investment across the value chain to support economic growth and strengthen energy security.
Nigeria and the IEA signed the agreement in Abuja, marking the formal commencement of the partnership and reinforcing the country’s relationship with the Paris-based energy organisation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the signing on Thursday, described Nigeria’s formal admission into the IEA as an association country as a major milestone and a reflection of the administration’s economic reforms.
Shettima said the partnership would help Nigeria maximise its abundant energy resources while strengthening its contribution to global discussions on energy security, affordability, sustainability and economic development.
“Nigeria’s admission as an association country with the IEA is a significant milestone for our country, and it reflects Nigeria’s strategic importance in the global energy landscape and the confidence that IEA has placed in our commitment to constructive international energy cooperation,” said Shettima in a statement by media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
He said Nigeria’s energy potential and resources position the country to benefit significantly from the partnership.
He added that given Nigeria’s potential, “the country will benefit from IEA’s institutional knowledge, the intellectual resources, the reach and expertise to support our nation’s ambitions in this sector.”
The Vice President also highlighted Nigeria’s substantial renewable energy potential and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to using the country’s available resources to drive economic transformation.
Shettima assured the IEA delegation that the Tinubu administration would continue working with stakeholders and international partners to contribute to discussions around a fair and just global energy transition.
The IEA delegation was led by its Executive Director, Fatih Birol, who explained that the agency works across a broad range of energy and technology areas, including oil, gas, solar power, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
Birol said the organisation works with hundreds of leading energy experts worldwide to provide policy advice, share data and offer technical expertise to member and partner countries.
He noted that joining the IEA family requires extensive discussions, assessments and consultations before approval.
According to Birol, following detailed discussions with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the IEA governing board, comprising governments including the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, unanimously approved Nigeria’s admission.
“The IEA will accompany the Nigerian energy sector for the next few years to come for a much better energy future. We will provide policy advice from clean cooking to gas markets, from gas markets to training Nigerian experts at the IEA on our own,” he was quoted as saying.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) said Nigeria’s admission into the IEA was linked to the performance of the Tinubu administration and the reforms implemented under its economic agenda.
He explained that the Joint Work Programme would facilitate greater involvement of IEA technical experts in developing data to guide energy policy and investment decisions across the value chain.
The initiative is expected to support Nigeria’s broader objectives of promoting economic growth and improving energy security.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanoaiye, described the partnership between Nigeria and the IEA as strategically significant.
He also acknowledged the role played by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Paris in helping to facilitate the country’s relationship with the organisation.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, said the Commission had previously collaborated with the IEA, including through the joint sponsorship of Nigeria’s most recent National Energy Master Plan.
However, he noted that the relationship had not previously been backed by a formal structure.
Abdullahi expressed optimism that Nigeria’s formal association with the IEA and the signing of the Joint Work Programme would provide a stronger framework for cooperation and further deepen the Energy Commission’s engagement with the organisation.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have raised concerns over the worsening hardship and insecurity in Nigeria, urging citizens to use their votes to determine the country’s future in the 2027 general election.
The candidates spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the Port Harcourt session of the Obi Talks Nigeria town hall series, which featured a question-and-answer session and direct engagement with participants.
Obi, who said he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country, urged Nigerians to take the 2027 election seriously and ensure that the right decisions are made at the polls.
“I can die for Nigeria,” Obi said, while calling on citizens to use their votes to determine the direction of the country.
The NDC presidential candidate also criticised what he described as persistent threats from the ruling party, arguing that politicians seeking to lead Nigeria should engage directly with the people.
“Let whoever wants to do anything come out and speak to us,” Obi said, stressing the importance of leaders interacting openly with Nigerians.
Speaking about the state of the nation, Kwankwaso said public frustration is widespread, attributing the growing anger to economic hardship and poor governance.
“People are hungry. People have no purchasing power. Their children cannot go to school,” he said, adding that he was not even talking about the difficulty of accessing healthcare.
The NDC running mate also raised concerns about the state of infrastructure and insecurity, particularly across Northern Nigeria.
“Roads are very bad, and worst is the issue of insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria today,” he said.
According to Kwankwaso, Nigerians continue to lose their lives while those in positions of authority appear indifferent to the worsening security situation.
Also speaking at the town hall, the NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, joined Obi and Kwankwaso in urging Nigerians to approach the 2027 election with greater seriousness.
The speakers emphasised that citizens have a crucial role in determining the country’s future through their votes and choosing leaders who will address the challenges confronting the nation.
The Port Harcourt engagement forms part of the Obi Talks Nigeria town hall series, through which Obi is visiting different states to interact directly with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Ogun State Government has urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures as the state prepares for an expected 72-hour rainfall that could trigger flooding in vulnerable areas.
The state government made the call during a full-scale flood disaster response simulation exercise organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for South-West states in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stressed the importance of proper planning, early warning systems, public awareness and effective emergency response ahead of the anticipated rainfall.
She also sought the cooperation of traditional rulers, community leaders, local governments, security agencies, health workers, volunteers and the media to ensure timely dissemination of information and coordinated action.
“The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook have identified a number of high-risk flood-prone locations across the country, including areas within Ogun State. This reinforces the need for us to remain,” she said.
“This simulation exercise is therefore both timely and important. It gives us an opportunity to test, in practical terms, the preparedness of our institutions and the ability of all critical stakeholders to work together in the event of a flood emergency. Plans and protocols are important, but they must also be tested. We need to know how quickly we can mobilise, how effectively agencies can communicate and coordinate, and how efficiently we can reach and support affected communities.”
Salako-Oyedele highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the Ogun State Government and NEMA, noting that the partnership has improved the state’s capacity to manage disasters.
“I commend NEMA for initiating this exercise and for its continued collaboration with the Ogun State Government through OGSEMA. Over the years, this partnership has strengthened our capacity to respond to floods, fires and other emergencies. It has facilitated better coordination, faster deployment of responders and improved humanitarian assistance to affected persons,” she said.
“The Ogun State Government recognises that effective emergency management requires adequate preparation and investment. We have therefore continued to support OGSEMA with the resources required to carry out its responsibilities, including training for its personnel, local emergency responders, Local Government officials, volunteers and community emergency teams.”
“We have also supported the provision and deployment of rescue equipment, ambulances and other emergency response resources, while ensuring that relief materials and financial assistance are made available, where necessary, to support people and communities affected by disasters.”
The deputy governor emphasised that disaster management should involve communities and individuals, not government agencies alone.
“However, disaster management cannot be the responsibility of government agencies alone. Communities themselves have an important role to play. Our people must take early warning information seriously, avoid building on waterways and drainage channels, desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and cooperate with relevant authorities when evacuation or other preventive measures become necessary,” she said.
“Our traditional and community leaders, Local Governments, security agencies, health workers, volunteers and the media are equally important partners in ensuring that information reaches our people quickly and that communities know what to do before, during and after an emergency.”
“I therefore encourage everyone participating in this exercise to treat it as a genuine learning opportunity. Let us identify any gaps in our systems, communication and coordination and use the lessons from this exercise to improve our preparedness. The true value of today’s simulation will be measured by how well the lessons learnt translate into faster, safer and more coordinated responses when an actual emergency occurs.”
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ogun State, I appreciate the Director-General and management of NEMA, the leadership and personnel of OGSEMA, our emergency responders, security agencies, health personnel, Local Government authorities, volunteers and all other stakeholders participating in this exercise. Our administration will continue to work closely with NEMA and all relevant partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and safeguard the lives and property of our people.”
Representing the Director-General of NEMA, the agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Commodore Nature Usman, called for stronger coordination, communication and preparedness among agencies involved in disaster management.
“We must be proactive and coordinated in our resolve to mitigate the potential impacts on lives and means of livelihood. As we all know, flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural hazards in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences for lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, the environment and communities. The increasing frequency and severity of flood events underscore the need for strengthened preparedness, early warning, anticipatory action and effective response mechanisms,” he said.
Usman also referenced the devastating flood disaster recorded in Nepal on August 26, 2026, as a reminder of the potential consequences of severe flooding.
“The devastating flood disaster recently witnessed in Nepal on 26 August 2026 provides another sobering reminder of the destructive potential of flood events. The flash floods along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli River corridors caused extensive loss of life and damage to homes, roads, bridges and critical infrastructure, while search and rescue operations continue.”
He urged communities and first responders to take early warnings seriously and remain prepared to act quickly.
“This tragedy demonstrates the importance of early warning systems, risk communication, preparedness and the capacity to mount rapid, coordinated search and rescue operations,” he said.
“These incidents reinforce the importance of exercises such as this one, which enable responders to test plans, identify gaps and strengthen coordination before lives and property are placed at risk. Therefore, the essence of this simulation exercise is not only to test our existing plans, procedures and response protocols, but to also identify gaps, generate lessons and strengthen inter-agency collaboration and interoperability in disaster response.”
“Today, we are simulating a crisis so that we can be better prepared to save lives when a real disaster occurs. Let me reiterate that preparedness is key to saving lives. Our ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover quickly from disasters depends largely on how well we plan, train, coordinate, and work together before disaster strikes.”
Iran has launched fresh strikes against US military positions in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, saying the attacks were in retaliation for a deadly strike on a wedding in southern Iran, while Washington says it is investigating the incident.
Iran said it targeted US military bases in Kuwait and the UAE on Thursday, escalating tensions in the six-month conflict as Tehran seeks to retaliate for an attack it says killed civilians at a wedding.
The latest clashes followed US military raids on Sunday and have further complicated efforts to resolve the conflict. Iran continues to exert pressure on shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while Washington maintains its counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
Kuwait’s military said it intercepted an incoming missile and drone attack from Iran. Tehran’s military, however, said it successfully struck US facilities at the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base “with missiles and drones”.
Kuwait described the incident as a “grave breach of the rules of international law”.
Iran’s military also claimed it had attacked Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, although authorities in the Gulf nation did not report an attack.
The strikes followed a claim by the Iranian Red Crescent that a missile hit a wedding in the coastal Iranian town of Kuhestak on Tuesday night, killing four people, including a child, and injuring more than 50 others.
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington was investigating the reported attack but expressed doubts about Tehran’s account.
“I know that we’re investigating,” he told a White House briefing.
“I will say that the Iranian state media has not been a very good scribe about what’s happened in the conflict thus far. So I’m extremely sceptical of this.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief, Ahmad Vahidi, vowed that those killed in the alleged attack would be avenged.
“The pure blood of these oppressed martyrs… will not go unanswered,” he said.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Tim Hawkins defended the US military, saying “the US military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC”, referring to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The latest escalation comes after extensive US bombardment of targets across Iran killed at least 19 people between Tuesday and Wednesday.
President Donald Trump had earlier warned that the US military was prepared to attack Iran “any time we want”.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday that six members of the country’s naval forces had also been killed in US attacks during the week. It was unclear whether those deaths were included in the reported figure of 19.
Tehran has responded with attacks across the Middle East, saying it has targeted US troops and bases in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
Vance, however, said he “wouldn’t call it a war,” insisting that “right now, there is no active shooting.”
He acknowledged that “there have been places where this has flared up” but maintained that major combat operations lasted only six weeks following the US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began on February 28.
Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, warned Washington on Wednesday that Tehran had adopted a “new strategy” in the conflict that “will shatter your foundations”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, expressed confidence that Iran’s Islamic Republic could soon collapse.
“This regime is currently teetering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its survival,” Netanyahu said at an event with Israeli military leaders.
“I am convinced that we can remove this threat once and for all.”
Beyond military operations, Washington has also threatened to intensify economic pressure on Tehran by imposing sanctions on countries and businesses that maintain economic ties with Iran.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that a new US sanctions strategy targeting Iran’s economic partners would deliver “absolutely maximum pressure”.
Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised Washington over the reported wedding attack and described the United States as “Satan”.
The renewed violence has also caused concern among Iranians, with many expressing frustration over the return to conflict.
Hossein Moazami, a 50-year-old self-employed man, described the attacks as “truly distressing”.
“I hope they all return to the negotiating table because the only people suffering from this are the Iranian people,” he said.
“The Americans are on the other side of the world and nothing happens to them.”
A video released by an Iranian government account showed debris and damage at what it identified as the wedding venue, with people reportedly heard screaming in the background.
“It is a very saddening incident,” Ali Mallahi, the bride’s father, said in a video broadcast by Iranian state television.
“Thank God the casualties were not higher.”
The conflict began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched attacks against Iran, killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A fragile ceasefire later collapsed in July following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies previously passed.
Meanwhile, Israel’s defence minister said his country was prepared to respond “with great force” if Iran attacks during the Jewish high holiday season, which begins in mid-September.
“For now, they are striking throughout the region except us,” Israel Katz said.
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) says it has traced 58 bank accounts and 12 organisations to the Director-General of the agency, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.
The Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while presenting the panel’s preliminary findings at a press briefing in Abuja.
Gagdi said information obtained from financial and investigative institutions showed that the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and other identifying details associated with Adeyemi, also known in some records as Adeyemi Matthew, were connected to personal, corporate, organisational and foundation accounts.
According to him, “Entities and Bank Accounts Information received from financial and investigative institutions indicates that the Bank Verification Number and other identifying details associated with Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, also referred to in certain records as Adeyemi Matthew, were linked to a substantial network of personal, corporate, organisational and foundation accounts.”
He added that “Preliminary financial information indicates that approximately 58 bank accounts were linked through the relevant identifying information, with more than 30 accounts apparently operated in the names of approximately nine agencies, companies, foundations or related entities.”
The committee chairman further stated that “evidence presently before the Committee suggests that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi may have been connected, directly or indirectly, with more than twelve such entities.
“The Committee is determining whether these entities were conceived or utilised to create artificial credibility, solicit funds, obtain investments, procure official recognition, secure government facilities or induce members of the public to part with money.”
Gagdi said the committee would conduct further checks before submitting its final report to establish the ownership and activities of the accounts and organisations linked to Adeyemi.
He said the panel would “reconcile the legal identities and ownership structures of all associated entities; verify the precise number, ownership and control of all identified bank accounts.
“Analyse relevant financial transactions and determine the aggregate sums received, transferred or withdrawn; identify account signatories, operators and beneficial owners; establish the roles of all public officers connected with the matter.”
The committee is also examining the legal status of the PFIPC, which has been described in the investigation as a “phantom agency”.
Speaking on the establishment of the agency, Gagdi said the panel’s investigation had found no valid Act of the National Assembly, Presidential Executive Order or other lawful instrument establishing the PFIPC.
He noted that “On the basis of the evidence presently before it, the Committee preliminarily determines that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council was not lawfully established.”
The lawmaker also said the investigation uncovered significant weaknesses within the government’s administrative system.
According to him, the deficiencies include failures in verifying the lawful existence of government institutions and weaknesses in the creation and administration of budget and administrative codes.
The House of Representatives had, on July 8, adopted a motion to investigate how the PFIPC was included in the 2026 Appropriation Act after the Presidency disowned the agency and stated that it was not legally established.
The investigation subsequently raised questions about the agency’s operations and funding, including reports that the PFIPC had secured an allocation in the 2026 budget.
Further indications also emerged that the organisation, despite questions over its legal status, had operated from the Federal Secretariat and opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The committee’s preliminary report is expected to form part of the evidence to be considered before the House reaches its final conclusions on the PFIPC and the individuals and entities linked to its operations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over key challenges that could affect preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, including delays in the release of funds allocated for electoral technology and operations.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, also warned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered disinformation, combined with public distrust stemming from technological challenges experienced during the 2023 elections, could threaten the credibility of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan, who was represented by National Commissioner Sani Adam, spoke in Abuja at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).
He said INEC was conducting a comprehensive review of its electoral technology infrastructure and considering a mock presidential election to test accreditation, result transmission and result-viewing systems under conditions similar to election day.
Amupitan disclosed that the commission had proposed a substantial budget for the 2027 general elections, including significant funding for technology, election operations and the replacement of accreditation devices that were lost or damaged during the previous electoral cycle.
However, he said the full funds had yet to be released.
“I should also be candid about the resourcing reality behind these ambitions. INEC has proposed a substantial budget for the 2027 general election, with significant allocations set aside specifically for technology and election operations, including the procurement of new accreditation devices to replace those lost or damaged during the last cycle.
“Full release of these funds is still being awaited, yet preparations continue,” he said.
Despite the funding situation, the commission’s Information and Communications Technology team has already begun discussions with manufacturers over the procurement of new devices.
Amupitan added that preparations for the technology audit and proposed mock election were also continuing alongside the budget process.
The INEC chairman also addressed concerns surrounding the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2023 general elections.
He explained that although the technologies were introduced to improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in elections, difficulties experienced during the 2023 polls showed that technological failures could themselves become a source of distrust.
“2023 also taught us, painfully and publicly, that the same portal whose purpose was to build trust can, when it falters under load or when uploads are delayed, become the very evidence cited to question that trust,” he said.
Amupitan said the commission would therefore take a more rigorous approach to its electoral technology ahead of 2027 rather than simply redeploying existing systems.
“It is why, as we look toward 2027, the commission is not simply reinstalling the same systems and hoping for a smoother outcome.
“We are pursuing a more rigorous path: a comprehensive audit of our electoral technology systems, covering system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery planning, so that we understand our vulnerabilities before an election exposes them rather than after,” he said.
As part of the exercise, INEC is considering a mock presidential election designed to test its systems under conditions that closely replicate the demands of the actual election.
“We are also exploring the conduct of a mock presidential election ahead of 2027, a full test-run of accreditation, transmission and results viewing under conditions that mirror election day as closely as possible,” Amupitan disclosed.
“These are not cosmetic gestures. They are a direct answer to the concerns raised about the reliability of our technology in 2023, and a signal that the commission intends to arrive at the next general election having stress-tested its own credibility before Nigerians are asked to stake theirs on it.”
Beyond the reliability of electoral technology, Amupitan warned that the information environment surrounding the election could pose an equally serious challenge.
He stressed that even if INEC’s technology performs perfectly on election day, that alone would not guarantee that Nigerians would accept the results.
“But even a flawless technical performance on election day will not, by itself, protect the integrity of an election in 2027. The threat has migrated. It has moved from the accreditation machine to the information ecosystem that surrounds it,” he warned.
According to him, generative AI has made it easier and cheaper to create convincing fake videos, voices and images that could be used to manipulate voters and create confusion during the election.
He cited possible scenarios involving fabricated election results, cloned voices of political candidates and fake images of already-marked ballot papers.
“A synthetic clip of an election official announcing a result that was never announced, a cloned voice attributed to a candidate conceding a race that is still open, a fabricated image of ballot papers already marked before polls open — these are no longer hypothetical scenarios reserved for science fiction panels,” he warned.
Amupitan said one of the most worrying aspects of AI-generated misinformation was the speed with which fabricated content could reach large audiences.
“A rumour once needed a marketplace, a newspaper column or a radio broadcast to travel,” he said, noting that AI-generated misinformation could now spread nationally within hours.
He warned that sustained exposure to false information could weaken voters’ ability to establish a shared understanding of what actually happened during an election.
“There is instead a slow erosion of the common ground on which we ask over ninety million registered voters to trust the same declared result,” he said.
The INEC chairman therefore argued that electoral technology and public communication must now be treated as interconnected elements of election security.
“The security of our servers and the credibility of our public messaging are now the same problem viewed from different angles.
“A technically secure system that is poorly explained invites suspicion. A well-explained process running on an insecure or untested system invites disaster,” he said.
To address the threat, Amupitan said INEC would strengthen its digital monitoring and rapid-response mechanisms to identify false claims about the electoral process and provide timely clarification.
He said the commission could no longer afford to wait several days before responding to misinformation capable of spreading nationwide within hours.
“In an environment where a fabricated claim can circulate nationally within hours, an election management body that takes days to issue a clarification has effectively conceded the narrative before it has spoken,” he warned.
The commission’s preparations now centre on two major areas.
First, INEC must ensure that BVAS, IReV and other electoral infrastructure are reliable enough to function simultaneously when millions of voters participate across the country.
Second, it must prepare for an increasingly sophisticated information environment in which AI can be used to manufacture realistic but completely false content.
Amupitan’s warning suggests that the credibility of the 2027 election will depend not only on whether INEC’s machines work, but also on whether Nigerians can distinguish genuine electoral information from convincing falsehoods.
For the commission, the challenge is therefore becoming broader: build technology that voters can trust, secure the systems against failure, and communicate quickly enough to prevent misinformation from defining the election narrative.
Uber’s decision to discontinue its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria marks the end of a 12-year chapter for one of the companies that helped transform urban transportation in the country.
The company stopped operations in Nigeria on September 2, 2026, after launching in Lagos in 2014 and later expanding to Abuja and other Nigerian cities. Uber has described the decision as the outcome of a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa, but the timing has prompted wider questions about the pressures facing ride-hailing companies and drivers in Nigeria.
Uber’s own farewell message captured the significance of the moment:
“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 service provider, ” they said in the statement.
“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life, connecting you with independent transportation providers.
“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely. We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.” Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, for customers with final account-related enquiries.
Uber is leaving Nigeria officially because of a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus, not because the company has said Nigeria’s ride-hailing market is no longer viable.
But the difficult economics of the Nigerian market high operating costs, fare pressure, intense competition and persistent driver concerns provide important context for understanding why maintaining the business may have become less attractive at this point in Uber’s global strategy.
The next chapter now belongs to the companies that can convince Nigerian riders and drivers that they can deliver something Uber could no longer justify providing at scale.
Why Is Uber Leaving Nigeria?
Uber has not announced a single, specific reason such as declining demand or regulatory action for its departure from Nigeria.
Instead, the company said it made the decision after reviewing its “evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.”
Importantly, Uber has also clarified that its Nigerian exit is not connected to the recent Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) directive concerning e-hailing operations at airports.
That distinction matters because the announcement came shortly after renewed controversy surrounding e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports. FAAN has said its position was about safety, accountability, operational visibility and the management of commercial transport within airports, rather than a blanket ban on e-hailing services.
Uber’s withdrawal therefore appears to be a strategic business decision, rather than a response to one isolated Nigerian policy. However, the broader operating environment helps explain why remaining in the market may have become more difficult.
Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry has experienced rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs, inflation, currency volatility, fare pressure and increasingly intense competition. Reuters reported that these conditions have increased operating expenses and put pressure on both drivers and platforms.
At the same time, Uber announced a global restructuring on September 2, including a reduction of about 10 per cent of its workforce, or roughly 3,300 jobs. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company was simplifying its organisational structure and redirecting resources towards future growth opportunities, including autonomous-vehicle technology.
Taken together, the developments suggest that Uber is becoming more selective about where it deploys capital and management resources.
Uber’s Role In Nigeria: How It Changed Transportation
Uber arrived in Lagos in 2014 at a time when app-based transportation was still relatively new in Nigeria. Its launch helped introduce a technology-driven alternative to conventional taxis and contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s wider e-hailing ecosystem.
The company later expanded to Abuja in 2016. Uber’s own records show that, two years after launching in Lagos, the platform had already facilitated more than one million trips in the city and had created more than 1,000 economic opportunities in Nigeria in 2015. Its influence extended beyond simply connecting passengers with cars.
Uber helped popularise:
app-based booking and cashless transportation;
real-time driver and passenger matching;
GPS-based trip tracking;
digital ratings and feedback;
flexible work through independent driver-partners;
new categories of urban mobility and delivery services.
Over time, Uber introduced additional products in Nigeria, including UberGo, Uber Package, Uber Moto in Ibadan and Uber for Business.
The company’s entry also helped stimulate competition. Bolt entered Nigeria in 2016, while inDrive and several local platforms subsequently expanded the options available to passengers and drivers. Research on Nigeria’s e-hailing industry describes Uber’s 2014 entry as a catalyst for the sector’s growth.
In other words, Uber is leaving a market that it helped create not a market where demand for app-based transportation has disappeared.
What Happens To Uber Drivers In Nigeria?
The immediate impact is on drivers who depended on the Uber platform to obtain passengers.
Uber told drivers that from September 2 they would no longer receive rider trip requests through the app. The company also expressed gratitude to its driver-partners for their contribution to its Nigerian operations.
The company has not publicly disclosed the exact number of Nigerian drivers affected, meaning it would be inaccurate to state a definitive figure for job losses among driver-partners. Reuters also reported that Uber had not disclosed the number of drivers or users affected by the withdrawal.
For many drivers, however, the end of Uber does not necessarily mean the end of e-hailing work.
Nigeria already has competing platforms, including Bolt, inDrive and local operators. Many drivers have historically used more than one platform, allowing them to move between apps depending on fares, demand and commissions. But the financial pressure on drivers is significant.
In March 2026, hundreds of Nigerian ride-hailing drivers working with Uber, Bolt and inDrive protested in Lagos over what they described as low fares and high commissions. Reuters reported that drivers complained that commissions could reach 30 per cent while fuel costs had risen sharply.
The protests illustrate a central problem in Nigeria’s ride-hailing economy: the cost of operating a vehicle has risen faster than what many drivers believe they can sustainably earn from fares.
This means Uber’s exit could produce two opposing effects. On one hand, competitors could gain thousands of potential riders and drivers, increasing opportunities for other platforms.
On the other hand, the influx of drivers could intensify competition for passengers, potentially putting further pressure on fares unless platforms adjust their pricing structures.
For drivers, the next phase will therefore depend largely on which platforms can offer a sustainable balance between passenger demand, fares, commissions and operating costs.
Countries Uber Has Exited Before Nigeria And What Happened
Nigeria is not the first market Uber has abandoned or substantially withdrawn from. The company’s international history shows that exits can happen for very different reasons.
Uber’s latest African restructuring also affects Uganda, where the company has announced a similar withdrawal as part of its changing business priorities and investment focus across Africa. The simultaneous decisions to leave Nigeria and Uganda have therefore raised questions about how Uber is reassessing its operations and investment across the continent.
China — Uber Sold Its Operations To Didi
In 2016, Uber ended its independent operations in China after a costly battle with local ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing.
Didi agreed to acquire Uber’s China operations in a deal that valued the combined business at about $35 billion, while Uber received a stake in Didi. The move ended an intense competition in which both companies had spent heavily to gain market share.
What happened? Uber effectively converted a difficult operating market into an investment in its stronger local rival rather than continuing to fight an expensive market-share war.
Southeast Asia — Grab Took Over Uber’s Business
In 2018, Uber sold its Southeast Asian operations to regional competitor Grab. The transaction covered operations across countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar, among others. Uber received a 27.5 per cent stake in Grab as part of the deal.
Why did Uber leave? The region had become an extremely competitive market, with ride-hailing companies spending heavily on discounts and promotions, putting pressure on profitability. Reuters described the deal as the result of a costly battle between the companies.
Russia and Neighbouring Markets — Yandex Partnership
Uber also combined its ride-hailing businesses in Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus and Georgiawith Yandex in 2017.
Rather than simply shutting down, Uber and Yandex created a new company, with Yandex holding about 59.3 per cent, Uber 36.6 per cent and employees 4.1 per cent after the agreed investments.
What happened? The strategy allowed Uber to consolidate with a stronger regional player instead of continuing to compete independently.
Hungary — Regulation Forced a Suspension
Uber suspended its Budapest operations in 2016 after the Hungarian government introduced legislation that made its business model difficult to operate.
The new rules included measures that allowed authorities to block access to services considered illegal dispatcher operations. Uber said the regulatory developments had left it with no viable alternative but to suspend UberX in Budapest.
Why did Uber leave? The key factor was regulation, rather than simply competition.
Denmark — New Taxi Rules Ended Uber’s Service
Uber withdrew from Denmark in 2017 after a new taxi law introduced requirements including fare meters and other equipment requirements. At the time, Uber had around 2,000 drivers and 300,000 users in Denmark. The company said it could return if the regulatory framework changed.
Why did Uber leave? The company argued that the new regulatory requirements made its existing model unworkable.
Colombia — Court and Regulatory Dispute
Uber suspended its Colombian operations in 2020 after the country’s competition authority ordered it to stop its ride-hailing service.
Uber challenged the decision, arguing that it violated due process and highlighting the absence of clear regulation for technology-based mobility services. At the time, the company said approximately 2 million users and 88,000 registered driver-partners were affected.
Why did Uber leave? The immediate trigger was a regulatory and legal dispute, compounded by uncertainty over the legal framework governing ride-hailing.
Why Uber Left Those Countries And What Nigeria Has In Common
Uber’s previous exits reveal that there is no single “Uber exit formula.”
The company has left markets because of:
Intense competition — China and Southeast Asia are notable examples.
Regulatory restrictions — Hungary, Denmark and Colombia demonstrate how regulations can make Uber’s operating model difficult or impossible.
Strategic consolidation — In Russia and Southeast Asia, Uber chose partnerships or sales to stronger regional competitors.
Profitability and capital allocation — Uber has repeatedly shifted resources away from markets where achieving sustainable scale was difficult.
Nigeria’s situation appears to fit most closely into the strategic and economic category. Uber has explicitly attributed the Nigerian and Ugandan withdrawals to its changing business priorities and investment focus. The company has also stressed that it remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa and continues to see growth and long-term opportunities in the region. That means the announcement should not necessarily be interpreted as Uber abandoning Africa.
Rather, the company appears to be concentrating its resources on markets it considers more strategically attractive, while reducing its footprint in Nigeria and Uganda. So, Why Nigeria Now?
The strongest explanation is the combination of Uber’s global restructuring and the difficult economics of Nigeria’s ride-hailing market. The company is cutting its global workforce by about 10 per cent while seeking a simpler organisational structure and greater investment in areas such as autonomous vehicles.
At the same time, operating a conventional ride-hailing business in Nigeria has become more challenging.
Drivers face high fuel and maintenance costs. Platforms face pressure to keep fares competitive. Customers are price-sensitive. And companies must compete aggressively for both riders and drivers.
The March 2026 drivers’ protest is particularly revealing because it showed that the economics of the sector were under strain even before Uber announced its withdrawal.
Yet Uber itself has not said that fuel prices, driver protests, Bolt, inDrive or FAAN caused its exit. Those factors provide important context for understanding the market, but they should not be presented as officially confirmed reasons for the company’s decision. That distinction is important.
What Uber’s Exit Means For Nigeria
Uber’s departure will probably not kill Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. If anything, it creates a major opening for competitors.
Bolt, inDrive and other operators now have an opportunity to attract Uber’s former riders and driver-partners. The competition for market share is likely to intensify, while customers may see changes in pricing, availability and service quality as companies compete to absorb Uber’s former market.
For drivers, the outcome will depend on whether competing platforms can provide enough demand and sustainable earnings.
For consumers, the biggest question will be whether Uber’s departure reduces choice or simply shifts riders to other platforms.
And for Nigeria’s wider technology ecosystem, Uber’s exit is a reminder that building a large user base is not enough to guarantee long-term presence.
Companies must also be able to make their business models work within local economic, regulatory and competitive realities. After 12 years, Uber’s Nigerian journey is ending but the market it helped build is very much alive.
US President Donald Trump has appointed Dr. Karl Von Batten, managing partner of VonBatten-Montague-York, L.C., to serve as a Commissioner on a White House presidential commission.
The announcement was made by VonBatten-Montague-York in a statement celebrating the appointment and highlighting Von Batten’s background in public service and leadership.
According to the firm, the appointment reflects Trump’s confidence in Von Batten and his commitment to serving the United States.
“VonBatten-Montague-York, L.C. is proud to announce that President Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) has appointed our Managing Partner, Dr. Karl Von Batten, to serve the United States of America as a Commissioner on a @WhiteHouse presidential commission.”
The firm said Von Batten expressed gratitude to Trump for the opportunity and described the appointment as a significant honour.
“Dr. Von Batten is deeply grateful to President Trump (The Chief) for this appointment and for the confidence placed in him. This presidential appointment represents a tremendous honor and reflects Dr. Von Batten’s longstanding commitment to public service, leadership, and our nation. Dr. Von Batten looks forward to answering the call to serve our President and country.”
The firm also congratulated its managing partner and wished him success in his new public service role.
“We congratulate Dr. Von Batten on this distinguished honor and wish him every success in this important public service role.”
The appointment comes amid attention surrounding Von Batten’s previous lobbying activities and his reported involvement in matters connected to Nigerian political interests.
Note: The supplied report does not independently establish the specific claim in its headline that Von Batten was Atiku Abubakar’s lobbyist on a case involving President Bola Tinubu. The confirmed information in the statement is his appointment by Trump to a White House presidential commission.
A US judge has ruled that Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, must stand trial for murder after finding that prosecutors presented enough evidence for the case to proceed.
Robinson, 23, faces the possibility of the death penalty in Utah over the alleged killing of Kirk, who was shot in the neck during a rally at a college campus on September 10 last year.
“For the foregoing reasons and based off the record and parties’ submissions, it is hereby ordered that the defendant, Tyler James Robinson, is bound over for trial,” Judge Tony Graf said in court.
The ruling followed a preliminary hearing in which prosecutors and the defence presented arguments on whether the case should proceed to trial.
The prosecution relied on video-game chats and text messages involving Robinson, arguing that the messages showed he was responsible for Kirk’s death because he was “fed up” with the “hate” allegedly promoted by the influencer.
The defence, however, focused largely on challenging the reliability of DNA evidence that prosecutors said connected Robinson to the weapon used in the killing.
Following Tuesday’s ruling, Robinson pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to US media reports.
Kirk was 31 when he was killed at an event organised by Turning Point, the right-wing youth organisation he founded. The group supported President Donald Trump during the 2024 election and is now led by Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk.
Reacting to the judge’s decision, Erika Kirk said in a statement posted on X:
“Today’s decision, which comes nearly a year since Charlie was taken from us, marks an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him,”
The killing shocked the United States and triggered widespread concern across the country’s political landscape.
Kirk had emerged as a prominent figure within a Christian Nationalist movement that promotes traditional values while facing criticism over its views on diversity and LGBTQ communities.
Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are reportedly facing heightened insecurity after suspected bandits allegedly demanded ₦40 million from the community and threatened to attack if the money is not paid.
Local sources said the suspected criminals initially gave residents five days to raise the money but later extended the deadline following appeals from members of the community.
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that it is aware of the reported threat.
Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) had already begun working on the information.
“The command is aware of the information and that the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) is already working on the information”, he said.
Rufai added that the suspected bandits had reportedly given the villagers until Sunday to meet their financial demand.
The reported ultimatum has heightened anxiety in Kebbe, with residents concerned that failure to meet the demand could trigger an attack on the community.
The development has also drawn concern from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Dan’iya, who described the situation as “grave” and called for immediate government intervention.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Dan’iya said the reported ₦40 million demand reflected an alarming level of criminal control over the lives and economic activities of residents.
He urged Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities.
According to him, additional security personnel, intelligence resources and operational support should be deployed before the reported Sunday deadline in order to protect residents and prevent a possible attack.
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