Who is the Owner of Eko Hotel? The Truth Behind the Lagos Landmark
If you have ever attended a major concert, corporate summit, or luxury event in Lagos, you’ve likely stepped foot in Eko Hotels & Suites. As the most iconic hospitality landmark in Nigeria, it is natural to wonder: Who is the owner of Eko Hotel?
The Short Answer
Eko Hotels & Suites is owned by the Chagoury Group, a powerful Nigerian-Lebanese conglomerate founded by brothers Gilbert Chagoury and Ronald Chagoury. While the Chagoury Group holds the majority stake and manages the property, the Lagos State Government also maintains a minority interest in the establishment.
Who are the Chagoury Brothers?
The faces behind Eko Hotel are Gilbert Ramez Chagoury and Ronald Chagoury.
Gilbert Chagoury: Born in Lagos in 1946, Gilbert is a billionaire businessman, diplomat, and philanthropist. He has served as an ambassador for various nations and is a well-known figure in international business circles.
Ronald Chagoury: Also born in Lagos, Ronald serves as the CEO of the Chagoury Group. He has been instrumental in the group’s expansion into construction and real estate, most notably the Eko Atlantic City project.
The brothers were born in Nigeria to Lebanese parents, making them "Nigerian-Lebanese." Their deep roots in the country have allowed them to build a business empire that spans across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The History of Eko Hotels & Suites
Eko Hotel did not start under its current name. Here is a brief timeline of its evolution:
1977: The hotel was established as Èkó Holiday Inn.
Management Shifts: It was later managed by the Le Méridien group, during which it was known as Le Méridien Eko Hotel.
The Chagoury Takeover: The Chagoury Group eventually acquired the majority share, rebranding it as the independent luxury brand we know today: Eko Hotels & Suites.
More Than Just a Hotel: The Chagoury Group Portfolio
The ownership of Eko Hotel is just one piece of a massive economic puzzle. The Chagoury Group is one of the largest employers in Nigeria. Their other major holdings include:
Eko Atlantic City: A massive land reclamation project transforming the Lagos coastline into a modern financial hub.
Hitech Construction: One of Nigeria’s leading civil engineering companies.
ITB Nigeria Ltd: A premier high-rise construction firm.
Hotel Presidential: A luxury sister property located in Port Harcourt.
Ideal Flour Mills & Ragolis Waters: Significant players in the Nigerian food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Fast Facts About Eko Hotel & Suites
Location: Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Room Count: Over 800 rooms spread across four buildings (Eko Signature, Eko Suites, Eko Hotel, and Eko Gardens).
The Convention Centre: Famous for being the premier venue for the AMVCA, Headies, and major tech conferences.
Summary
The owner of Eko Hotel is the Chagoury Group, led by brothers Gilbert and Ronald Chagoury. Through a mix of visionary real estate investment and strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Government, they have maintained Eko Hotel’s status as the "crown jewel" of West African hospitality for decades.
