President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently bestowed the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, upon the distinguished Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur, Sir Gilbert Chagoury. This significant recognition, issued under Section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, acknowledges Chagoury’s “outstanding virtues and services to our country, Nigeria.”
A Titan of Industry Recognized
Sir Gilbert Chagoury, co-founder of the formidable Chagoury Group with his brother Ronald in 1971, has been a pivotal force in Nigeria’s private sector development for decades. His vision and investments have left an indelible mark on the nation’s landscape, particularly in Lagos. From spearheading the transformation of Banana Island into an elite residential haven to championing the ambitious Eko Atlantic City project – a massive reclaimed-land urban development – Chagoury’s contributions span landmark infrastructure, job creation, and significant business investments.
Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola was among the first to publicly congratulate Chagoury, describing him as a role model and lauding his enduring impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Joining an Illustrious League
The GCON honour places Sir Gilbert Chagoury in an exclusive club, alongside other luminaries who have significantly shaped Nigeria’s narrative. Previous recipients include industrial giants like Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga, global figures such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, seasoned diplomats like Emeka Anyaoku, and literary icon Wole Soyinka. This conferment underscores the perceived magnitude of his contributions to the nation’s progress.
The Conversation Continues: Relationship and Recent Projects
While the conferment celebrates Chagoury’s extensive contributions, it has also sparked considerable discussion. His long-standing personal and business relationship with President Tinubu, dating back to Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, is well-known. This relationship has come under renewed scrutiny following the award of the multibillion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Chagoury’s company, Hitech Construction, in 2024. The development has raised important questions regarding transparency and potential conflicts of interest, adding a complex layer to the otherwise celebratory recognition.
As Nigeria acknowledges one of its most influential business figures, the GCON award to Sir Gilbert Chagoury undoubtedly highlights his monumental economic impact, while simultaneously fueling a broader conversation about governance, patronage, and public trust in the nation’s development trajectory.
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