National Library: Contractors return to site on November 19, says FG

Assures prompt payment, warns against delays

______________________________________________________________________

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Federal Government has announced November 19 as the date for the formal return of contractors to the abandoned National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, assuring that adequate funding would be provided to ensure its timely completion.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during a familiarisation visit to the project site, ahead of the formal flag-off by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Alausa, who commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady for their commitment to reviving the national edifice, said the Federal Government was determined to prevent further delays through prompt payment to contractors and efficient administrative processes.

He said contractors had fully mobilised to the site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.

“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 said.

The minister warned contractors and consultants against delays, insisting that any bottlenecks in payment processing must be promptly brought 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 on the project to President Tinubu’s directive for the mobilisation of funds and the return of contractors to the site.

He said the President had demonstrated a strong commitment to education, describing it as the foundation of 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 said.

The minister also commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, noting that her intervention had contributed significantly to securing additional funding.

According to him, the First Lady’s vision is to transform the National Library into an inclusive cultural and educational landmark, with specialised facilities for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments.

Alausa recalled that the project commenced in 2006 with an initial two-year completion timeline and was substantially completed in 2008 before construction was abandoned in 2014.

He lamented that the prolonged abandonment of the facility, which serves as a national repository of knowledge, archives and cultural heritage, reflected misplaced priorities.

The minister, however, expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the resumption of construction, commending Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining and securing the site throughout the period of inactivity.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Library management, ministry officials, consultants and other stakeholders towards the project’s revival.

Alausa said the Federal Government was exploring international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to improve the quality and functionality of the facility.

He said the completed National Library would serve as a major cultural and educational centre, hosting international conferences, attracting tourists and providing access to Nigeria’s historical archives and cultural heritage.

Alausa thus urged contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work collaboratively and diligently, assuring Nigerians that the ministry would maintain close supervision and ensure efficient handling of administrative and financial processes to achieve timely completion.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of RCC, Engr. 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 and prevented encroachment throughout the period of abandonment.

He assured the minister that RCC would comply with government directives and deliver the project in line with established standards.