10 Nigerian Politicians and Their Jobs Before Politics

Before they became politicians, many Nigerian politicians had successful careers in fields like business, banking, and the military. 

Their experiences before politics influenced their leadership styles and effectiveness. While some used their skills to drive economic growth and reforms, others found that success in previous careers didn’t always translate to good leadership.

Here’s a look at the careers of ten Nigerian politicians before they entered politics:

Kashim Shettima 

He worked in banking, becoming a Zonal Head at Zenith Bank before starting his political career in 2007 as the Commissioner for Finance in Borno State. He later became Governor and then Vice President of Nigeria.

Goodluck Jonathan 

He was an education inspector, lecturer, and environmental protection officer before entering politics. He rose from Deputy Governor to President of Nigeria.

Muhammadu Buhari 

Buhari started in the military, aiming initially to be a doctor. He moved up to become Governor of the North-Eastern State and later the Head of State after a military coup in 1983.

Godswill Akpabio  

He began his career in law and telecommunications, became Managing Director and CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited, and later entered politics where he served as Commissioner, Governor, Senator, and Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

Atiku Abubakar  

He worked for 20 years in the Nigeria Customs Service and then entered the business, co-founding Intels Nigeria Limited among other ventures. He later joined politics and became Vice President.

Rotimi Amaechi

Amaechi started in healthcare administration and business before politics, where he became a state legislator, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor, and Minister of Transportation.

Abdullahi Adamu 

He began as an engineer and businessman, was elected to the Constituent Assembly, and later became Governor of Nasarawa State.

Nasir El-Rufai 

Started his career in quantity surveying and telecommunications, managed significant contracts, and later served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Governor of Kaduna State.

Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi)  

He worked as an accountant and tax consultant before being elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly, then to the Federal House of Representatives, and later to the Senate.

Babatunde Sanwo-Olu 

He started in banking and business administration, held various positions in the Lagos State government, and was elected Governor of Lagos State in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.