Uber injects ₦34bn into Nigeria’s economy in 2023, report shows
Study reveals Uber’s impact on jobs, incomes, and urban mobility as stakeholders push for safer transport systems.
When Lagosians joke that ride-hailing apps are the city’s unofficial public transport system, it is not far from the truth. A new report has now given weight to that idea, showing that Uber alone contributed ₦34 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023. But beyond the headline figure, the numbers tell a deeper story about how technology is changing mobility, safety, and even nightlife in Africa’s biggest economy.
The Uber Nigeria Economic Impact Report, conducted by Public First and unveiled at the Lagos Road Mobility Summit, highlighted how the platform has become more than a transport option. According to the findings, Uber riders collectively enjoyed a consumer surplus of nearly ₦500 billion last year, reflecting savings in time, convenience, and cost.
For drivers, Uber provided a financial lifeline, earning them ₦6.1 billion more than their next best alternative, with average incomes 34 percent higher. Flexibility was another key benefit, valued at ₦6.3 billion, with nearly nine out of 10 drivers saying it helped them balance family responsibilities.
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Safety also stood out as one of the strongest reasons for Uber’s popularity. The report revealed that 97 percent of riders cite safety as their main reason for using the app, with women in particular relying on the service; 78 percent said Uber was the safest way to get home at night. The study also showed that 79 percent of riders agreed the service reduced drunk driving by offering a reliable option after dark.
Beyond individuals, the wider economy has also felt the ripple effects. Uber added nearly ₦930 million to Nigeria’s nighttime economy in 2023 and contributed ₦5.4 billion in value to the tourism sector. Riders collectively saved more than 1.8 million hours in travel time, hours that could be redirected to work, leisure, or family.
The Lagos summit, where the report was launched, co-hosted by Uber and the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, also featured government officials, the FRSC, World Bank experts, and private stakeholders discussing how platforms like Uber can help build safer, more inclusive road systems.
While challenges remain, from regulations to driver welfare and rising ride costs, Uber’s ₦34 billion contribution underscores how ride-hailing has already redrawn Nigeria’s transport map, creating not just convenience but also jobs, safety, and fresh opportunities for growth.
