Since Tinubu’s Regime, His Ally, Gilbert Chagoury, Received Over ₦15.3 Trillion in Federal Contracts

A controversial figure, Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman convicted of money laundering, has reportedly received over ₦15.3 trillion in federal contracts since Bola Tinubu assumed office.

The development first came to light in a post shared by X user @prophetswitch. He wrote, “Since Tinubu became president, one man has quietly collected over $12.7 billion in federal contracts.

“His name is Gilbert Chagoury. And he’s not even Nigerian. Let’s talk about this. THREAD (repost for everyone).”

He went on to list the contracts. His words,” April 2024. No competitive bid. No tender.Hitech Construction — Chagoury Group — handed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.Value: $11 BILLION. N15.3 trillion.Works Minister Umahi announced it like it was normal. It is not normal.

“Apapa & Tin Can Island ports renovation. Contract goes to ITB Nigeria. Also Chagoury Group. Value: $700 million. Chagoury has ZERO history in port construction. No open tender. No explanation. Just Tinubu’s signature.

“Same year. Snake Island Container Terminal.ITB Construction Nigeria + Belgium’s DEME Group.Value: $1 BILLION. 45-year concession.Nigerians won’t finish paying this concession until 2070.And nobody voted for Gilbert Chagoury.”

The claim was subsequently corroborated by northern political commentator Abu Amir. On his X handle, he wrote, “Do you know that Gilbert Chagoury has so far collected $12.7 billion in contracts, since Tinubu became president?

“Man isn’t even a Nigerian. Not only that, there’re many criminal activities linked to him. Nigeria is captured!”

Chagoury’s controversial history is well-documented. He was convicted in 2000 by a Swiss court for laundering funds looted by former military ruler Sani Abacha. As part of his conviction, Chagoury agreed to pay a fine and return $66 million to Nigeria.

Despite this criminal record, he continues to secure federal contracts worth billions of dollars under the current administration.

Critics argue that the allocation of such significant sums to a convicted money launderer raises questions about governance and accountability. Observers also point out that Chagoury’s non-Nigerian status makes the situation even more contentious, given the public funds involved.