Uber under FCCPC probe over exit from Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has begun an investigation into the exit of e-hailing service provider Uber from Nigeria.

FCCPC’s  primary goal is to know if Uber left any customer service  or obligation  unresolved before  ending its 12 years of  operations in the country last week. 

The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the commission,   Tunji Bello,  revealed this to Bloomberg. He told the New York-based international business media organisation  that the commission was examining the circumstances surrounding the firm’s  departure and its implications for customers.

  Bello, in a  text to Bloomberg said:  “The commission was particularly concerned about customers whose services may not have been completed before Uber ceased operation.   Officials of  the  commission are looking into the manner of their exit, particularly in respect of unfulfilled services to the customers.

“Uber has not provided a specific reason for its decision to leave Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. The company commenced operations in Lagos in 2014 and subsequently established itself as a major player in the country’s rapidly expanding ride-hailing market.

“Its operations have, however, faced increasing competition over the years, particularly from Estonia-based Bolt, while economic pressures have also affected consumers’ purchasing power and increased the cost of providing mobility services.”

In announcing its departure on September 2, Uber said the decision followed a ‘’thorough review’’ of its business.

The company explained that the withdrawal was restricted to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its operations in other African markets.

Uber also said its immediate focus was to support drivers, riders and members of its local teams throughout the transition.

The company’s exit came amid recent developments concerning e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, leading to speculation that a directive from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria may have influenced its decision.

 Uber, however, denied any connection between the FAAN directive and its decision to withdraw from Nigeria.