“As an individual, I believe my record in employing young Nigerians is unrivalled by any single private investor in Nigeria. #LetsTalkJobs,” former Vice President Atiku Abubakar once said in a tweet that sparked conversations across the country.
With decades of experience in business and entrepreneurship, Atiku Abubakar’s portfolio spans several sectors, including oil and gas logistics, construction, agriculture, media, and education. His investments have not only contributed to Nigeria’s economy but have also created thousands of jobs for Nigerians across different regions.
Below is a closer look at some of the key companies owned by Atiku Abubakar in his growing empire and how they contribute to employment and development in Nigeria.
Companies Owned by Atiku Abubakar
1. Intels Nigeria Limited: Oil and Gas Logistics Giant
One of Atiku Abubakar’s most prominent investments is Intels Nigeria Limited, a company that provides integrated logistics services for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
INTELS was founded in 1982, six years before the holding company was established in 1988. Intels has grown to become a leading logistics and support services provider in Nigeria. The company offers:
- Cargo and shipping agency services
- Port management and support
- Warehouse and storage solutions
- Jetty and quay operations
- Shore base facilities management
Intels employs thousands of skilled and unskilled workers, from engineers and dockworkers to administrative and technical support staff. The company’s operations span multiple locations, playing a vital role in Nigeria’s offshore energy sector.
However, in January 2021, it was gathered that Atiku Abubakar had severed ties with INTELS Nigeria Limited, the oil and gas logistics company he co-founded almost 40 years ago, after selling his shares in the holding company.
INTELS said it severed ties with Atiku and his family, who were one of its major shareholders of the company, after the former vice president sold off all his shares and exited the company last year, 2020.
In a statement on Monday, Tommaso Ruffinoni, INTELS spokesman, said Atiku, through his trust named Guernsey Trust International, sold shares of Orlean-Invest Group, Intels’ holding company, between December 2018 and January 2019, for a sum of approximately USD$60 million.
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2. Prodeco: Building Nigeria’s Infrastructure
Another major venture is Prodeco, a construction and development company operating through two entities:
- Prodeco Nigeria Limited – focused on construction and real estate development within Nigeria
- Prodeco International – operating within Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Free Zones
Prodeco has been involved in numerous high-scale infrastructural projects, including the following:
- Residential and commercial buildings
- Roads and drainage systems
- Marine structures
- Facilities for oil and gas clients
Established in 1996, Prodeco has helped shape Nigeria’s infrastructure while employing a significant number of Nigerians—from architects and project managers to site laborers and technical teams.
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3. Atiku Farms: A Second Chance at Agricultural Success
Atiku Abubakar’s venture into agriculture began in 1981 when he acquired 2,500 hectares of land near Yola, Adamawa State, to cultivate maize and cotton. Unfortunately, the business folded in 1986. In his words, “My first foray into agriculture, in the 1980s, ended in failure.”
But that wasn’t the end.
In recent years, Atiku Farms has been revived and has since grown into a flourishing agricultural enterprise involved in:
- Crop farming
- Livestock production
- Food processing
The farm contributes significantly to the local economy in Adamawa, employing local farmers, youth, and support staff while providing food and agricultural products to the surrounding communities.
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4. ABTI Schools & American University of Nigeria (AUN): Investing in Education
Atiku’s belief in education as a tool for national development led him to establish ABTI Schools, with the crown jewel being the American University of Nigeria (AUN), founded in 2004.
Located in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, AUN is one of the few American-style universities in Africa. It occupies over 1,000 hectares of land and serves as a hub for academic excellence in the northeast.
The university provides:
- World-class education for thousands of students
- Jobs for academic staff, administrative workers, and service providers
- Scholarships and empowerment programs for underprivileged youths
The impact of AUN goes beyond education—it has become a key employer and development catalyst in a region struggling with the effects of insurgency and economic hardship.
Final Thoughts
While many Nigerians often associate business success with politics, Atiku Abubakar presents a strong case as one of Nigeria’s foremost private employers. With over 50,000 Nigerians on his companies’ payroll across various industries, his business empire showcases what is possible when private investment meets long-term vision.
Whether in logistics, agriculture, education, or construction, Atiku’s investments reflect a deep commitment to national development, youth empowerment, and job creation. So when he says his employment record is “unrivalled by any single private investor,” it’s not just political rhetoric—it’s a fact backed by numbers and institutions.
So far, here are some of the companies owned by Atiku Abubakar that we have been able to gather from available information online. If you know any others, kindly reach out to us. Thank you
