After 12 years of abandonment, FG targets 24-month completion of National Library

…FG promises prompt payments to contractors as construction resumes

The Federal Government has set a 24-month target for completing the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, nearly 12 years after construction activities were abandoned, while promising prompt payments to contractors to prevent further delays.

Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the project site on Wednesday, ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, scheduled for November 19.

Alausa said contractors had fully mobilised to site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeline.

He assured contractors that the Federal Ministry of Education would establish efficient payment processes to ensure uninterrupted construction, warning that delays in processing payments and other administrative bottlenecks must be brought to his attention.

“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.

“We have put processes in place on how the contractor will request 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

In a statement signed by Ikharo Attah, special adviser on media and communications to the minister, Alausa attributed the renewed momentum on the project to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, saying the President had directed the mobilisation of funding and the return of contractors to site.

He described the completion of the National Library as a priority of the administration, noting that the President recognised education as a foundation for 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. That is why this President has placed so much emphasis on education and given us all the support we need,” Alausa said.

The minister also commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, saying her intervention had contributed to securing additional funding and advancing plans for a modern National Library.

He said the First Lady’s vision extended beyond establishing a national repository of knowledge to creating an inclusive cultural and educational facility accessible to children, persons with disabilities and other members of the public.

According to him, the proposed facility will include specialised spaces for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments.

The National Library project commenced in 2006 with an initial completion timeline of two years. It was substantially completed in 2008 before construction activities were abandoned in 2014, leaving the project dormant for nearly 12 years.

Alausa expressed concern over the prolonged abandonment, given the institution’s importance to Nigeria’s educational, cultural and archival development.

He, however, commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the site, securing the facility and preserving existing infrastructure throughout the period of inactivity, which he said had enabled construction to resume without significant setbacks.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of the acting permanent secretary, Olatunji David; the chief executive officer of the National Library of Nigeria; the ministry’s management team, consultants and other stakeholders in preparing for the return to site.

He said the Federal Government had continued to explore international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to improve the quality and functionality of the project.

Upon completion, Alausa said the 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.

He urged the management of the National Library to ensure that the facility became an active centre of learning and knowledge, with sustained activities to encourage public engagement.

Speaking during the visit, Nader Yusuf, managing director of RCC, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project within 18 months.

Yusuf said the company had maintained the site, provided adequate security and prevented encroachment throughout the period of inactivity. He assured the minister that RCC would comply with government directives and deliver the project in line with the Federal Government’s expectations.

The contractor’s 18-month delivery commitment differs from the 24-month completion target stated by the minister.

Alausa reiterated the government’s determination to complete the project within the agreed timeframe, urging contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work collaboratively and adhere to established standards.

The scale of abandoned infrastructure projects in Nigeria has remained a concern. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors estimated in August 2021 that the country had about 56,000 abandoned projects valued at N12 trillion.