President Bola Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury, recognising his contributions and service to Nigeria.

The award, Nigeria’s second-highest national honour after the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), was officially conferred through an Instrument of Conferment dated January 8, 2026.

Tinubu explained that the honour was granted under the powers of the National Honours Act, praising Chagoury for his “outstanding virtues” and dedication to the country.

“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 in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, hereby award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON),” the president stated.

Born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrant parents, Chagoury is a leading industrialist and co-founder of the Chagoury Group, established in Lagos in 1971. The group has wide-ranging interests in construction, real estate, hospitality, glass manufacturing, and flour milling.

Chagoury is also a key financier of the Eko Atlantic City project through South Energyx Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of his group. Additionally, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, affiliated with the Chagoury Group, is overseeing the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

He gained national prominence in the 1990s, notably for his close ties with the late military ruler Sani Abacha, during whose regime his business interests reportedly grew significantly.