As a writer, Abubakar Gimba focused on the moral and societal challenges of post-colonial Nigeria. His debut novel, Trail of Sacrifice (1985), set in the fictional Kakonia, critiques failed leadership while promoting youth empowerment and national unity. In Witnesses to Tears (1986), he examines the complexities of power and corruption within the civil service, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by those in authority.

Sunset for a Mandarin (1991) offers a semi-autobiographical take on bureaucracy and the personal costs of public service. His 1994 novel, Sacred Apples, explores themes of African feminism within a Muslim society, reflecting his skill in weaving social critique into cultural and religious contexts. Across his body of work, Gimba provided a nuanced view of Nigeria’s socio-political realities, consistently advocating for moral integrity and reform.