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Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, known for iconic developments such as Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City, has been awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Gilbert Chagoury wins top Nigerian honor
The official instrument of conferment, signed in Abuja on Jan. 8, 2026, reads: “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 services to our country, hereby award you the title, dignity and all privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).”
The GCON is one of Nigeria’s highest national honors, typically reserved for the Vice President, Senate President, Chief Justice and other top national figures. Chagoury’s recognition reflects his decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth through the Chagoury Group, a private conglomerate he co-founded in 1971.
Chagoury Group drives multi-sector growth
Gilbert Chagoury’s business journey began at age 25, when he co-founded Chagoury Group with his younger brother, Ronald, in 1971. Over five decades, the group has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates, with operations spanning construction, real estate, flour milling, water treatment, glass manufacturing, insurance, hospitality and telecommunications. Landmark projects include Banana Island and the ambitious Eko Atlantic City.
Built on reclaimed land along the Lagos coastline Eko Atlantic City accommodates about 250,000 residents and up to 150,000 daily commuters. Positioned as Lagos’ future commercial hub it is attracting major companies and reshaping the city’s corporate and residential footprint as Lagos approaches a population of 25 million.
Among Chagoury’s other significant undertakings is the $700 million Lagos Port renovation project, announced earlier this year as part of the government’s push to modernize port infrastructure. He is also behind the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, awarded to Hitech Construction Company, another firm under his control.
Landmark projects highlight strategic excellence
Celebrating the honor, Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, in a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, said, “Congratulations to my role model, dear friend and mentor, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, on the well-deserved GCON honor conferred by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“Sir, your life is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and steady excellence,” he added. “From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic City, your work speaks in landmarks, jobs, and lasting impact, inspiring generations of Nigerians to think bigger and act bolder. This honor is truly well deserved.”
Gilbert Chagoury’s recognition highlights the role of private enterprise in Nigeria’s urban and economic development. It further emphasizes the impact of sustained leadership and long-term strategic planning on infrastructure, investment and business growth.
