‘For Service to Nigeria’: Presidency Justifies GCON Award to Gilbert Chagoury
ABUJA — The Presidency has strongly defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on billionaire industrialist Gilbert Chagoury, stating that the award is a well-deserved recognition of his immense contributions to the nation’s economy.
The clarification came late Monday from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following public surprise that the second-highest national honor—traditionally reserved for the Vice President, Senate President, and Chief Justice—was bestowed upon a private businessman.
“He Qualified by Service”
Onanuga dismissed insinuations that the award was controversial, explaining that the President exercised his prerogative to reward “outstanding virtues” and long-term commitment to Nigeria’s development.
“It is true. He had conferred the title on him,” Onanuga told journalists. “He did so to mark his 80th birthday. The President honored him for his various services to Nigeria on the economic front, the hospitality industry, and infrastructure.”
The Presidential spokesman emphasized that Chagoury, who was born in Lagos in 1946, has been a pillar of the Nigerian business community for decades.
“Don’t forget the fact that Chief Chagoury is a qualified Nigerian for the award. His work speaks for itself,” Onanuga added.
From Banana Island to Coastal Highway
The justification aligns with the sentiments expressed by billionaire Femi Otedola, who first broke the news by posting the award certificate on X (formerly Twitter). Otedola described Chagoury’s influence as “visionary,” citing his role in creating landmark projects like Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City.
Currently, Chagoury’s construction firm, Hitech, is handling the Tinubu administration’s signature infrastructure project: the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This massive undertaking is seen by government insiders as a key driver for the award, signaling the administration’s intent to reward partners who invest in critical national infrastructure.
A Rare Honor
The GCON is rarely conferred on individuals outside the highest echelons of government. However, recent precedents exist; in 2022, the award was conferred on Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and more recently on the Director-General of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
By adding Chagoury to this exclusive list, President Tinubu has signaled a shift toward recognizing private sector giants who align with the government’s economic agenda, regardless of political optics.