The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has characterized President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as destructive to local employment and private sector sustainability.
Atiku’s remarks followed the official departure of ride-hailing company Uber from the Nigerian market after 12 years of operation, effective September 2, 2026.
While Uber attributed its exit to an internal review of corporate investment priorities across Africa, Atiku maintained that deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and eroding consumer purchasing power drove the decision.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that the economic environment rendered operations unsustainable for both drivers and passengers.
“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,” Shaibu stated.
He highlighted escalating operational overheads, including rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, exchange rate volatility, and new regulatory fees, as primary pressure points.
“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 brought a stealth tax on movement.
Before passengers reach their destinations, your government has already emptied their pockets.”
The statement argued that fixed consumer budgets prevented the platform from adjusting fare algorithms upward without further suppressing ride demand.
“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,” he added.
Concluding the critique, Atiku called for an immediate pivot toward economic interventions designed to reduce basic living expenses and stabilize operating conditions for enterprise.
“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.”
