Tinubu Confers GCON on Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury

President Bola Tinubu has awarded the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman and long-time ally of the President.

GCON is Nigeria’s second-highest national honour.

The award was formalised through an instrument signed by President Tinubu, citing his authority under Section 1(4) of the National Honours Act. According to the document, the honour was conferred in recognition of Chagoury’s personal qualities and contributions to Nigeria.

The instrument stated that the award was given in Abuja under the Public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was dated January 8, 2026, and signed by the President in his official capacity.

Chagoury, however, has remained a controversial figure in Nigeria’s business and political space, having been linked to several high-value government contracts and longstanding allegations of impropriety.

Investigations by Sahara Reporters previously revealed that the Federal Government awarded a $700 million contract for the rehabilitation of Tin Can and Apapa ports in Lagos to ITB Nigeria, a construction firm owned by Chagoury. The decision, approved at a Federal Executive Council meeting, drew criticism over ITB Nigeria’s limited experience in port infrastructure development. Reports indicated that President Tinubu played a decisive role in the contract’s approval.

This followed another major contract awarded to Hitech Construction, also owned by Chagoury, for the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway project. The multi-trillion-naira project attracted public scrutiny, despite government assurances regarding the company’s technical capacity.

Chagoury has also been involved in discussions aimed at bringing Dubai-based DP World into Lagos as a port operator. On February 26, 2025, President Tinubu met with DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chagoury, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola to explore potential investments in Nigeria’s port sector.

The talks have drawn attention from existing port operators, including APM Terminals, especially as some Tin Can port concessions are expected to be reopened for bidding. CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of France’s CMA CGM, currently manages the Lekki Deep Sea Port under an agreement that restricts the establishment of new container terminals in Lagos until December 2028.

Despite persistent challenges such as high regulatory costs and customs charges, Lagos ports remain central to maritime trade in Africa. APM Terminals secured a 25-year concession for Apapa port in 2006 in a deal valued at nearly $1 billion.

According to Africa Intelligence, the relationship between the Chagoury family and the Tinubu administration extends beyond government contracts. The report noted that the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, sits on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary within the Chagoury business group.

The publication further reported that Chagoury was a key supporter of Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign and is expected to remain politically influential as the President prepares for the 2027 election cycle.