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Nigerian-Lebanese Billionaire Gilbert Chagoury Bags Nigeria’s Second Highest National Honour
Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire businessman, Gilbert Chagoury has been awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The official instrument of conferment, signed in Abuja on January 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.
His 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, flour milling, water treatment, glass manufacturing, insurance, hospitality, telecommunications, infrastructure and real estate.
The Group’s landmark projects in the real estate include Banana Island and the ambitious Eko Atlantic City built on reclaimed land along the Lagos coastline.
Positioned as Lagos’ future commercial hub, Eko Atlantic City is attracting major companies and reshaping the city’s corporate and residential footprint as Lagos approaches a population of 25 million. The lush city is expected to accommodate about 250,000 residents and up to 150,000 daily commuters.
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.
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.
Celebrating the honour, 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.”
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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