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.

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Miziara, a small Lebanese village of 6,000 people overlooking the Mediterranean, symbolizes the deep ties between Lebanon and Nigeria. Many from Miziara have emigrated to Nigeria, where the Lebanese community now numbers between 30,000 and 100,000. Many Lebanese-Nigerians, including fourth-generation families, proudly call Nigeria home.

The village’s main street is named after Gilbert Chagoury, Miziara’s most famous son and benefactor. Pierre Daaboul, Deputy Mayor of Miziara, described him as “like a godfather” due to his significant investments in local infrastructure and education. Daaboul adds, “About 80 percent of the village works in Nigeria because they make much more money there.”

Born in Nigeria in 1946 to Lebanese parents, Gilbert Chagoury studied briefly in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he founded The Chagoury Group in 1971. The group is now a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, agribusiness, and hospitality. Notable projects include Eko Hotels and Eko Atlantic City; a massive land reclamation project designed to protect Lagos from coastal erosion.

The Chagoury Group is also building the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a key infrastructure project. While some have questioned the contract awards, government officials highlight the company’s expertise and capacity.

Chagoury’s ties to Nigeria haven’t been without controversy, notably linked to the late General Sani Abacha. He denied wrongdoing, paid fines, and returned funds to Nigeria.

Beyond business, Chagoury is a philanthropist and art lover, honored by the Pope and France for his contributions. His donations include a priceless tapestry to the Louvre and significant COVID-19 relief efforts in Lagos.

Though his roots are in Lebanon, Nigeria is where Gilbert Chagoury has made his mark, building a legacy of business success and cultural connection that bridges two continents.

By: Simbo Olorunfemi
Source: Proshare

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