Nigerian drivers using the Uber app earned an additional ₦6.1 billion ($9.6 million)* in 2023 compared with what they might have made elsewhere, according to a new economic impact report commissioned by the ride-hailing company.
But while Uber marked its 10th year in Nigeria with claims of boosting driver income, tourism, and nightlife spending, drivers continue to complain about low pay, high commission fees, and tough working conditions.
Uber launched in Nigeria in 2014, first in Lagos before expanding to nine other cities, including Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Warri, Uyo, and Owerri. The company offers eight ride options in the country: UberX, UberX Priority, UberX Share, Uber Comfort, UberGo, Uber Package, Uber Moto, and Uber for Business.
The report, prepared by UK-based consultancy Public First, further estimated that Uber contributed ₦34 billion ($53.6 million) to Nigeria’s economy in 2023. The figure represents about 0.01% of Nigeria’s ₦245.3 trillion ($387 billion) gross domestic product in the same year.
Uber also claimed its services generated ₦930 million ($1.5 million) for Nigeria’s night-time economy by transporting riders to and from restaurants, concerts, and other leisure activities, while a further ₦5.4 billion ($8.5 million) was attributed to the tourism sector through trips connecting international visitors with local attractions and businesses.
While the report highlights driver earnings as a core part of Uber’s impact, the company did not disclose how many drivers were covered in the study or what the average annual income per driver was.
“Uber is more than a way to move from A to B; it’s a platform that empowers people to shape their own futures,” said Deepesh Thomas, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. “From drivers who value the flexibility of earning on their own terms, to women who feel safer getting home at night, to local businesses reaching more customers, Uber is proud to be part of Nigeria’s growth story.”
Despite Uber’s claims, the company, along with other ride-hailing apps in the country, has faced repeated criticism from Nigerian drivers over poor working conditions. In some instances, drivers have gone on strike, citing low wages, high fees, sudden app deactivations, safety issues, and unfair policies.
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has also accused both companies of not caring about the well-being of its drivers.
*— All currency conversions are based on an average 2023 exchange rate of ₦630–₦650 to $1.
