President Bola Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on his longtime associate, Gilbert Chagoury, in recognition of what he described as Chagoury’s contributions to Nigeria.
The president said the honour, Nigeria’s second-highest national award, was bestowed in appreciation of Chagoury’s services to the country.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, 1, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, HEREBY award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) GIVEN at Abuja under my Hand and the Public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the document read.
Reacting to the honour, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola described the award as well deserved, praising Chagoury’s legacy in business and national development.
“Your life is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and steady excellence,” Otedola wrote.
He highlighted Chagoury’s role in major real estate and infrastructure projects, noting their impact on job creation and Nigeria’s urban development.
“From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic City, your work speaks in landmarks, jobs, and lasting impact, and your leadership has inspired generations of Nigerians to think bigger and act bolder,” he added.
Otedola concluded by reaffirming his admiration for Chagoury’s achievements, saying, “This honour is truly well deserved. I celebrate you today and always.”
Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese Nigerian, was born in Lagos to Lebanese immigrant parents. In 1971, he co-founded the Chagoury Group with his younger brother, Ronald Chagoury. The conglomerate has interests spanning construction, real estate and property development, flour mills, water bottling and purification, glass manufacturing, insurance, hotels, furniture manufacturing, telecommunications, IT, catering and international financing.
The national honour comes against the backdrop of a 2024 controversy, when the Tinubu administration awarded the $11 billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Chagoury’s company, Hitech. The award attracted public scrutiny over the absence of a public bidding process and the long-standing relationship between Tinubu and Chagoury.
Subsequent reports also indicated that Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, sits on the board of one of Chagoury’s companies and is a joint shareholder in a British Virgin Islands entity with Gilbert’s son, Ronald Chagoury Jr.
