Gilbert Chagoury: Controversial billionaire awarded contract to construct Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Gilbert Chagoury, at 77 years old, is not just one of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals, but a titan who commands a fortune of $4 billion. His story is a journey of entrepreneurial success marked by innovation, controversy, and a deep commitment to philanthropy.

Back in 1971, Chagoury and his younger brother, Ronald, set the stage for their remarkable journey by founding the Chagoury Group. Since then, their combined business acumen has driven them to the forefront of Nigeria’s economic landscape, establishing them as true industry giants.

Chagoury’s influence transcends a single sector. From construction and real estate to flour mills, water bottling, and telecommunications, his ventures have culminated in an estimated net worth of over $4.2 billion, firmly placing him among Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals.

However, Chagoury’s journey is not without controversy. His association with the late Nigerian military head of state, Sani Abacha, drew international attention.

Although Abacha’s support boosted Chagoury’s businesses, his death in 1998 led to Chagoury returning approximately $300 million to the Nigerian government to shield himself from potential legal repercussions.

Chagoury’s philanthropic endeavors, on the other hand, have earned him respect and recognition. In 2020, he and his brother contributed a significant N1 billion ($2.62 million) to Lagos State to support the healthcare system during the COVID-19 crisis, showcasing their dedication to their homeland’s well-being.

Recently, Chagoury has undertaken a colossal project — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He has been tasked with transforming this vision into reality through his subsidiary, Hitech Road Construction Company, a part of the Chagoury Group.

The project, awarded by the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, will connect major projects like the Lagos-Badagry Expressway superhighway and the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Operating as a public-private partnership (PPP) venture, this project will be sustained by planned tolls upon its triumphant completion, perfectly harmonizing with Tinubu’s overarching agenda to foster heightened connectivity and robust economic advancement throughout Nigeria.

Chagoury’s expertise in combating coastal erosion in West Africa through his companies, exemplified by the track record of Hitech Construction Company, makes him a fitting choice for this ambitious undertaking. His commitment to protecting Nigeria’s shoreline has been evident in previous projects successfully preventing the encroachment of the Atlantic Ocean.

Despite facing legal challenges, including allegations of illegal campaign contributions in the United States, Chagoury remains a central figure in Nigeria’s business landscape. His resilience and unwavering dedication to business ventures and philanthropic causes highlight his enduring influence.

As the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project unfolds, the nation watches with breath, awaiting the transformation of its physical infrastructure and the resolution of the legal entanglements surrounding its enigmatic billionaire.

Chagoury’s journey is a testament to the intricate interplay of wealth, ambition, and philanthropy in today’s African business arena.