Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, recognized for iconic developments reminiscent of Banana Island and Eko Atlantic Metropolis, has been awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Gilbert Chagoury wins prime Nigerian honor
The official instrument of conferment, signed in Abuja on Jan. 8, 2026, reads: “In train of the powers vested in me underneath part 1(4) of the Nationwide Honours Act, I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your excellent virtues and providers to our nation, hereby award you the title, dignity and all privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).”
The GCON is certainly one of Nigeria’s highest nationwide honors, usually reserved for the Vice President, Senate President, Chief Justice and different prime nationwide figures. Chagoury’s recognition displays his decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s financial progress by the Chagoury Group, a personal conglomerate he co-founded in 1971.
Chagoury Group drives multi-sector progress
Gilbert Chagoury’s business trip started at age 25, when he co-founded Chagoury Group together with his youthful brother, Ronald, in 1971. Over 5 many years, the group has grown into certainly one of Nigeria’s main conglomerates, with operations spanning development, actual property, flour milling, water remedy, glass manufacturing, insurance coverage, hospitality and telecommunications. Landmark initiatives embrace Banana Island and the formidable Eko Atlantic Metropolis.
Constructed on reclaimed land alongside the Lagos shoreline Eko Atlantic Metropolis accommodates about 250,000 residents and as much as 150,000 each day commuters. Positioned as Lagos’ future business hub it’s attracting main firms and reshaping the town’s company and residential footprint as Lagos approaches a inhabitants of 25 million.
Amongst Chagoury’s different important undertakings is the $700 million Lagos Port renovation challenge, introduced earlier this 12 months as a part of the federal government’s push to modernize port infrastructure. He’s additionally behind the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Freeway, awarded to Hitech Building Firm, one other agency underneath his management.
Landmark initiatives spotlight strategic excellence
Celebrating the dignity, Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, in a recent post on X, previously Twitter, mentioned, “Congratulations to my position mannequin, expensive buddy and mentor, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, on the well-deserved GCON honor conferred by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“Sir, your life is a masterclass in imaginative and prescient, self-discipline, and regular excellence,” he added. “From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic Metropolis, your work speaks in landmarks, jobs, and lasting influence, inspiring generations of Nigerians to assume larger and act bolder. This honor is really effectively deserved.”
Gilbert Chagoury’s recognition highlights the position of personal enterprise in Nigeria’s city and financial growth. It additional emphasizes the influence of sustained management and long-term strategic planning on infrastructure, funding and enterprise progress.
