What did you do before you went into politics?
I joined the Customs and Excise Department in 1969 and served in Kano, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Seme, Ibadan and Lagos. I rose to Deputy Director before retiring meritoriously in 1986. Along the way I also took courses in Leadership Management and Drug Enforcement and Control, in Finland, Egypt and the United States.
Where this comes from
p. 1 PhD Honoris Causa, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun Atiku Abubakar: Official biography 2026-10-02 ›
Career
On graduation, Atiku joined the Customs and Excise Department in 1969, serving in Kano, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Seme, Ibadan and Lagos. He rose to the rank of Deputy Director before retiring meritoriously in 1986. During and after his service, he acquired additional training and education. He attended courses in Leadership Management, Drug Enforcement and Control, in Finland, Egypt and United States of America.
On retirement, he went into private business, with interests in Oil Services, Agriculture, Food and Beverages, Print Media, Banking, Insurance and Pharmaceuticals.
Atiku employs thousands of Nigerians through his businesses, and is the second largest employer of labour in Adamawa State after the State Government.
Politics