Nigerian-Lebanese businessman Gilbert Chagoury has found himself in a unique position as the designated "confidante" of President Bola Tinubu, according to a list published by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Chagoury, born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrants, co-founded the Chagoury Group in Lagos in 1971, a conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, hotels, glass, and flour milling. Notably, the Nigerian State House is listed as Chagoury's "organisation," with indications of a "paid relationship/contract with the nominating entity."
A closer look at the global delegation list reveals that no other country has a "confidante" of its president within its COP28 representatives.
Chagoury's connection to the late Nigerian military ruler, Sani Abacha, in the 1990s adds a layer of complexity to his profile. During this period, his businesses reportedly thrived, leading to a 2000 conviction by a Swiss court for laundering funds looted by Abacha from Nigeria. Chagoury paid a hefty fine and returned $66 million to the Nigerian government, maintaining his innocence regarding knowledge of the funds' origins.
Despite his controversial past, Chagoury's presence in Nigeria's COP28 delegation raises questions about the intersection of business, politics, and environmental policy. With Nigeria boasting the third-highest number of delegates at the conference alongside China, Chagoury's role as a confidante adds intrigue to the nation's representation on the global stage.
As the conference unfolds, observers are closely monitoring how this unexpected alliance may influence Nigeria's climate policy decisions and its standing within the international community. The UAE, hosting COP28, holds the largest-ever registered delegation, emphasizing the significance of this global climate gathering.
