President Tinubu Confers GCON National Honour on Industrialist Gilbert Chagoury

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria's second-highest national honour, on businessman and industrialist Gilbert Chagoury. According to an official letter signed by the President and released on 19 January 2026, the award recognises Chagoury’s multi-decade contributions to the country's economic development, particularly within the infrastructure and industrial sectors.

Recognition of Industrial Impact

The conferment highlights Chagoury’s role as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s private sector. In the official citation, President Tinubu noted that the honour serves as an appreciation of Chagoury’s "outstanding virtues and service" to the federation. The award acknowledges his influence across several key sectors, including manufacturing, hospitality, and large-scale urban development.

Prominent investor Femi Otedola remarked on the conferment, stating that Chagoury’s work has significantly shaped Nigeria’s urban landscape. Otedola specifically referenced landmark projects such as Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City as evidence of the awardee’s long-term commitment to job creation and national growth.

Profile of the Awardee

Gilbert Chagoury, born in Lagos, co-founded the Chagoury Group in 1971. Over the last five decades, the conglomerate has diversified into a wide range of industries including construction, telecommunications, and international finance. Through its subsidiary, Hitech Construction, the group has been instrumental in executing major civil engineering projects across Nigeria, including the ongoing development of the $11 billion Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

Context and Public Scrutiny

While the Presidency maintains that the GCON is a reflection of Chagoury’s professional service, the association between the President and the industrialist has remained a subject of public discourse. In 2024, the awarding of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway contract to Hitech Construction drew scrutiny regarding procurement transparency.

Furthermore, reports concerning the professional ties between both families—specifically the presence of the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, on the board of a Chagoury-linked firm—have been noted by observers. However, the administration has consistently stated that national honours are awarded based on the National Honours Act, prioritising merit and service to the state.

Significance of the GCON

The GCON is traditionally reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership or made transformative contributions to Nigeria’s national interest. By awarding this title to Chagoury, the administration reinforces its strategy of acknowledging private sector partners who play pivotal roles in the nation’s infrastructure narrative. This move signal’s the government’s continued reliance on established industrial groups to drive large-scale economic projects.