The Quiet Politics of Lebanese Nigerians

The Lebanese in Nigeria form one of the country’s most dynamic diaspora communities, with a fascinating history marked by notable commercial success and subtle political influence.

Written by Abubakar Usman

Aug 11, 2024

Photo illustration by Dami Mojid / THE REPUBLIC. Source Ref: Gilbert R. Chagoury receives the Igihango medal from President Kagame, 2017. PAUL KAGAME / FLICKR.

In May 2024, the appointment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to the board of directors of companies owned by the renowned Lebanese-Nigerian business tycoon, Gilbert Chagoury, was publicized. The news generated considerable critical attention, particularly from those on the other side of the Nigerian presidency’s ‘political divide’. In the preceding month, Chagoury, known for his ownership of Hitech and long-standing business ties with President Tinubu, had been awarded the lucrative contract for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. This appointment and the awarding of the contract have sparked widespread accusations of nepotism and corruption.

President Tinubu’s long-standing relationship with Chagoury, the poorly planned demolition of the Landmark Beach area in Lagos, and the controversial awarding of the Coastal Highway project, have led some observers to tentatively raise the question of whether this is an instance of ‘state capture’. This denotes a form of systematic political corruption where state decision-making processes are subordinated to private rather than national interests, sidelining democratic institutions. The news has also ignited a flurry of questions around the wider Lebanon-Nigeria relationship and the dominant influence of Lebanese figures like Chagoury in Nigeria.

Nigeria has been home to a remarkable Lebanese presence since the latter half of twentieth century—particularly in the vibrant cosmopolitan cities of Kano, Lagos and Ibadan. Many migrants—having actively established and sustained a significant commercial presence—have become Nigerian citizens, often mastering various Nigerian languages while retaining their distinct Lebanese-Arab cultural roots. They are today known as Lebanese Nigerians.

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About the Author

Abubakar Usman

is a lecturer and researcher based in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, working with Universiti Malaya. He is the coordinator of the Africa Studies Circle and a Senior Fellow at Asia Middle East Centre for Research and Dialogue (AMEC).

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The Quiet Politics of Lebanese Nigerians