Tinubu's Economic Reforms Blamed by Atiku for Uber's Nigeria Pullout

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who ran for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, labeling them as detrimental to local employment and the sustainability of private sector businesses in Nigeria. Atiku’s comments followed the official announcement of ride-hailing giant Uber's withdrawal from the Nigerian market, effective September 2, 2026, after 12 years of operations.

While Uber cited an internal review of its corporate investment priorities across Africa as the reason for its departure, Atiku maintains that the decision was primarily driven by deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and a significant erosion of consumer purchasing power within the country. Speaking via his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asserted that the prevailing economic climate made it unfeasible for Uber to continue operations profitably for both its drivers and passengers.

Shaibu directly addressed President Tinubu, stating, “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 further outlined key operational challenges, including the sharp rise in fuel prices, increased vehicle maintenance costs, persistent exchange rate volatility, and the introduction of new regulatory fees.

“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 noted. He criticized these new levies, adding, “He brought a stealth tax on movement. Before passengers reach their destinations, your government has already emptied their pockets.”

The statement from Atiku's camp argued that Nigerians' constrained budgets prevented Uber from increasing fare algorithms to offset rising costs without further suppressing demand for rides. Shaibu lamented, “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.”

Concluding his critique, Atiku called for an immediate shift towards economic interventions focused on reducing basic living expenses and stabilizing the operating environment for businesses. He strongly advised, “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. You @officialABAT made life expensive. Atiku will make Nigeria affordable again.”