President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) Nigeria’s second-highest national honour on businessman and industrialist Gilbert Chagoury, citing his long-standing contributions to national development.
The award was announced in an official letter signed by the President and sighted on Monday.
Tinubu said the honour was bestowed in recognition of Chagoury’s service, enterprise, and impact across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under the National Honours Act, I hereby award you the title, dignity, and privileges of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), in appreciation of your outstanding virtues and service to our country,” the letter read.
Recognition of Business Legacy
Reacting to the honour, billionaire investor Femi Otedola described the recognition as well deserved, praising Chagoury’s business legacy and influence on Nigeria’s urban and economic landscape.
“Your life is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and steady excellence,” Otedola wrote.
He highlighted Chagoury’s role in landmark real estate and infrastructure projects, noting their contribution to job creation and national growth.
“From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic City, your work speaks in landmarks, jobs, and lasting impact. Your leadership has inspired generations of Nigerians to think bigger and act bolder,” he added.
Profile of the Awardee
Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman born in Lagos to immigrant parents, co-founded the Chagoury Group in 1971 alongside his younger brother, Ronald Chagoury.
The conglomerate has interests spanning construction, real estate, manufacturing, insurance, hospitality, telecommunications, information technology, and international finance, making it one of Nigeria’s most diversified industrial groups.
Controversy and Public Scrutiny
Chagoury’s relationship with President Tinubu has previously drawn public attention, particularly in 2024 following the award of the $11 billion Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group.
The contract attracted scrutiny over procurement procedures and the longstanding association between both men.
Reports later emerged that the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, sits on the board of one of Chagoury’s companies and shares joint business interests abroad with Chagoury’s son, Ronald Chagoury Jr.
Despite the controversy, the Presidency has maintained that the national honour reflects Chagoury’s decades-long contributions to Nigeria’s development rather than political considerations.
National Honour Context
The GCON is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, typically awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country in public service, business, diplomacy, or national development.
