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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has fixed November 19 for the formal resumption of construction work on the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, assuring that adequate funding and improved administrative procedures would be provided to prevent further delays and ensure completion of the national edifice.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the date during a familiarisation visit to the project site, ahead of the formal flag-off by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying the government was determined to end the prolonged abandonment of the facility.
Alausa disclosed that contractors had already mobilised to the site and commenced preparatory construction activities, while the Federal Ministry of Education had established procedures to ensure that payment requests were processed promptly.
“Our own commitment at the Federal Ministry of Education is that work will not stop for one day until we get to the point where we commission this building,” he declared.
The minister warned contractors, consultants and ministry officials against unnecessary delays, insisting that any administrative or financial bottlenecks capable of slowing down the project must be brought directly to his attention.
“We have put processes in place on how the contractor will request for additional payment. I am going to speak publicly to all contractors and consultants today. If there are delays in processing, I need to know. I want to be bothered because this is a commitment to the Nigerian people,” he said.
Alausa attributed the renewed momentum to President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the mobilisation of funds and the return of contractors to the site, describing the project as an important investment in education, research, cultural preservation and national development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows exactly what this country needs. He knows that education is the bedrock of any egalitarian society. If any society must develop, it must educate its citizens,” he stated.
He also commended the First Lady for her advocacy and personal commitment to the revival of the National Library, saying her intervention had contributed significantly to securing additional funding.
According to him, the First Lady envisioned a modern and inclusive national institution that would serve not only as a repository of books and archival materials but also as a cultural and educational landmark accessible to different categories of users.
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The minister said the completed facility would include specialised provisions for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments, reflecting the government’s intention to make the institution inclusive.
Alausa recalled that construction of the National Library began in 2006 with an initial two-year completion target, but the project remained unfinished and was eventually abandoned in 2014.
He lamented that the prolonged abandonment of such an important national institution reflected misplaced priorities, stressing that a country seeking sustainable development could not afford to neglect its principal repository of knowledge, historical records and cultural heritage.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the renewed mobilisation and commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining security at the site and preventing encroachment throughout the period of inactivity.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Library management, ministry officials, consultants and other stakeholders towards reviving the project.
Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government was exploring international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to improve the quality, functionality and overall experience of the completed facility.
He said the National Library would serve as a major cultural and educational centre, capable of hosting international conferences, attracting visitors and providing access to Nigeria’s historical archives and cultural heritage.
The minister urged contractors and consultants to work collaboratively and diligently, assuring that the ministry would maintain close supervision and ensure efficient handling of administrative and financial processes.
Earlier, Managing Director of RCC, Nader Yusuf, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project within 18 months.
Yusuf said the company had maintained adequate security at the site throughout the period of abandonment and prevented encroachment on the property.
He assured the minister that RCC would comply with government directives and execute the project in accordance with established standards.
