Basil C. Economides

Basil C. Economides was a Greek civil engineer and construction entrepreneur who founded Arbico in Nigeria in 1958. After arriving in Nigeria in 1953, he chose to remain in the country and pursue opportunities emerging from its approaching independence and expanding demand for modern infrastructure. After an earlier period with Costain West Africa, he established Arbico with Elias Khalife and H.O. Davies, building the company into one of Nigeria’s leading construction firms during the early post-independence period. Under his leadership, Arbico undertook significant projects including the General Post Office in Marina, Lagos, and Adeyemi College in Ondo, establishing an enduring corporate legacy in Nigeria’s construction industry. He remained associated with the company until his death in 1994.