President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury, citing his contributions and services to Nigeria
The national honour, which is Nigeria’s second highest after the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), was conferred through an Instrument of Conferment dated January 8, 2026.
Tinubu said the award was made in line with the powers vested in him under the National Honours Act, describing Chagoury as deserving of the recognition based on his “outstanding virtues” and service to the country.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, 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),” the president said.
Chagoury was born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrant parents and is a well-known industrialist. He is the co-founder of the Chagoury Group, established in Lagos in 1971, with business interests spanning construction, real estate, hospitality, glass manufacturing and flour milling.
He is also a key financier of the Eko Atlantic City project through South Energyx Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group. Another company linked to the group, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, is currently handling the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Chagoury became widely known nationally in the 1990s and was noted for his close association with the late military ruler, Sani Abacha, during whose administration his business interests reportedly expanded.
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