They Couldn’t Compete With Us” — Reno Omokri Reveals Why Uber Allegedly Left Nigeria (Video)

Ambassador Reno Omokri has attributed Uber’s decision to leave the Nigerian market to the rapid expansion of public transportation infrastructure, particularly the growing rail network in Lagos.

Speaking on Channels Television, Omokri argued that the development of alternative and more affordable means of transportation had significantly affected the ride-hailing company’s business model and profitability.

According to him, the introduction of the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line has provided commuters with cheaper alternatives for moving across the city, making it increasingly difficult for Uber to compete.

Omokri explained that Uber’s business model had traditionally relied on offering affordable mass transportation while gradually competing with conventional taxi services. However, he argued that Nigeria’s expanding transport infrastructure created an unusual challenge for the company.

In his words:

“Do you know why Uber left Nigeria? The business model Uber has is that they come into your country and bring about mass low-ticket transportation so that they price out the regular taxis. This is what they have done successfully in several countries, including the US and the UK.

They tried that in this country and it was succeeding, but look at what was happening in Lagos.

The infrastructural developments in Lagos have been so wide and extensive that it is now possible for you to get from point A to point B at a fraction of the cost using the Blue Line, Red Line, and soon the Green Line is coming up also.

In Abuja, you can get from the station to the airport by rail.

So, Uber could not compete because of the advancement of infrastructure in Nigeria.”

Omokri’s comments come shortly after Uber announced its decision to discontinue its operations in Nigeria after 12 years in the country.

The company said the decision followed a review of its business operations but did not disclose specific reasons for its exit.

Uber’s departure brings an end to more than a decade of operations in one of Africa’s largest transportation and technology markets.