Sir Emem Akpabio is a graduate of Management Studies with specialty in Financial Management from the then University of Sokoto, has over 33 years post graduate experience. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies, London (MCIPS) and also a member of the Institute of Logistics.  Emem launched what would become an illustrious career with the Federal Department of Water Resources in 1982 as an Accounts Officer. It was from here he proceeded to the University to broaden his knowledge and skill base. On graduation, he worked with the defunct Mercantile Bank PLC briefly as a Credit Officer in 1989.

In 1990, he left the bank to join Bertola Machine tools Limited as an Administrative Manager. Due to his versatility and diligence, rose to the position of Operations Manager in Bertola. In 1993, he left Bertola to join The Shell Petroleum Development Company. As a staff of this global giant, he has worked severally in the UK, Brunei, Aberdeen, Hague, Oman etc. He has also held several key positions including (but not limited to) Logistics Supervisor; Corporate Head of Logistics and Aviation Contracting and Procurement in Shell Group in Nigeria; Supply Chain Management Leader; Logistics Manager; Supply Chain Manager; and Contract Manager for the Gbaran Ubie multibillion-dollar Project. After 22 years of unimpeachable services to the Shell Group, he retired in 2015 to face other challenges. Currently, he is the CEO of Raffia Properties Ltd, Chairman and MD of Redcoat Logistics Limited (a world class Logistics Company with headquarters in UK), and Executive Chairman, Continental Durable Goods Limited – Beko home appliances. He also serves in various boards as a director including the Wesley Microfinance Bank. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees, Wesley University, Ondo; Council member, Obong University, Obong Ntak and Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene all in Akwa Ibom State, Archdiocesan Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ati Annang Foundation.