The deeper issue is that Nigeria is more digitally connected than digitally organised. We have acquired the applications and embraced the devices, but we have not built all the physical, institutional and information infrastructure needed to extract their full economic value. Yet Nigeria is not short of plans. The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan already exists. The more important question is whether it actually guides implementation priorities and public infrastructure budgeting.
Uber has left Nigeria.
After twelve years of operating in the country, the global ride-hailing company announced that it was winding down its Nigerian operations from 2 September. To many, this appeared to be an abrupt decision, particularly following the recent banning and subsequent unbanning of the company and similar operators from Nigerian airports. To keen watchers of the economy, however, it was an event waiting to happen; the only question was when.
The announcement has understandably generated another round of debate about Nigeria’s business environment, government regulation, the treatment of investors and the economics of operating businesses in the country. But I think there is a danger in trying too quickly to explain Uber’s departure.
