Bola Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Gilbert Chagoury, a convicted money launderer with a history of criminal convictions abroad and longstanding business ties in Nigeria.
The honour, Nigeria’s second highest, was reportedly given in recognition of Chagoury’s contributions to the country, according to a letter obtained by Daily Trust.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, 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) GIVEN at Abuja under my Hand and the Public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Chagoury currently serves as Saint Lucia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, a position he has held since April 3, 2003.
Despite his criminal record, he resides in Paris, France, while maintaining deep political and business influence in Nigeria.
In 2000, Chagoury was convicted in Switzerland for laundering over \$120 million in funds looted from Nigeria by former dictator Sani Abacha.
He was fined approximately \$600,000 and later returned \$66 million to the Nigerian government.
In 2019, Chagoury paid a \$1.8 million fine to U.S. authorities after being indicted for making illegal campaign donations through straw donors.
The award has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the decision to confer one of Nigeria’s highest honours on a convicted criminal.
Observers argue that the recognition may undermine the credibility of the national honours system and raises concerns about accountability, ethics, and governance in Nigeria.
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