Tinubu Honors Businessman Gilbert Chagoury With GCON National Award

President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria.

The honour, which ranks as Nigeria’s second-highest national award after the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), was conveyed through an Instrument of Conferment dated January 8, 2026.

According to Tinubu, the award was made under the powers granted to him by the National Honours Act, citing Chagoury’s “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, who was born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrant parents, is a prominent industrialist and co-founder of the Chagoury Group, established in Lagos in 1971. The conglomerate operates across several sectors, including construction, real estate, hospitality, glass manufacturing and flour milling.

He is a major financier of the Eko Atlantic City project through South Energyx Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group. In addition, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, which is linked to the group, is handling the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Chagoury rose to national prominence in the 1990s and was known for his close ties to the late military ruler, Sani Abacha, a period during which his business interests reportedly expanded.