The Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on renowned businessman and philanthropist, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury.

The confirmation was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the honour was duly approved and awarded in recognition of Chagoury’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and nation-building efforts.

According to the Presidency, the conferment took place on Jan. 8, 2026, in Abuja, to mark Chagoury’s 80th birthday, following the signing of the instrument of award by President Tinubu.

The citation accompanying the award noted that the honour was bestowed “in recognition of outstanding virtues and services rendered to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Significance of the Award

The GCON is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, traditionally reserved for distinguished citizens and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national development, governance and public service.

Profile of the Honouree

Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire, is a co-founder of the Chagoury Group, a conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, manufacturing and hospitality.

He is widely associated with landmark private-sector developments in Lagos, including Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City, projects often cited for their impact on urban development, employment and investment inflows.

Reactions

Prominent business leaders and associates have described the award as well deserved, highlighting Chagoury’s long-standing investments in Nigeria and his philanthropic activities across education, healthcare and infrastructure.

Broader Context

Analysts note that the conferment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on recognising private-sector actors who have contributed significantly to economic growth and national development.

However, the honour has also sparked public debate in some quarters, reflecting broader conversations on national honours, governance and public-private sector relationships in Nigeria.