Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has directed contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project to meet agreed delivery timelines or face sanctions.
Alausa issued the directive during a meeting with contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria, where he stressed the need for quality work, accountability and timely completion of the long-delayed project.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications. “This is a change day. We will make you accountable for the timelines we’re going to set for ourselves,” Alausa said.
The minister said the Federal Government was prepared to provide the funds required to complete the project but would expect contractors and consultants to deliver according to agreed standards. “If you’re not meeting your guidelines, the timelines, I’m sorry, you’ll be penalized,” he warned.
Alausa said the government would establish realistic timelines for the completion of the project and hold contractors and consultants accountable for the commitments contained in their agreements.
He explained that the project had been divided into two major components — physical infrastructure and furnishing — to allow both aspects to progress simultaneously.
According to the minister, the National Library should not be viewed merely as a building but as an important national institution for learning, research, knowledge development and human capital development.
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He said the renewed focus on the project was part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to improving education infrastructure and developing human capital.
Alausa recalled that the National Library project was conceived in 1981, while construction commenced in 2006 with an initial completion period of 24 months.
The facility was therefore originally expected to be completed in 2008 but has remained unfinished for years.
The minister noted that the National Library occupies a strategic location in Abuja’s Central Business District, alongside major national landmarks such as the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre.
He said the Federal Government’s renewed attention to the project reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to education and human capital development.
Alausa expressed appreciation to the President for providing the political support and commitment required to move the project forward.
The minister also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support and efforts towards the completion of the National Library.
He recalled that the First Lady used her 2025 birthday to mobilize support for the project, raising approximately N25 billion within two months.
Alausa said her visit to the National Library of Qatar also influenced the government’s vision for the Nigerian facility.
According to him, Nigerian officials and project stakeholders were encouraged to study the Qatar facility and adopt relevant modern features in the National Library project. “We’ll have a National Library that looks like National Library of Qatar,” he said.
Alausa said the renewed vision for the National Library would include improved accessibility and dedicated spaces for children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.
He said the facility was expected to serve as a modern centre for learning, research, innovation and knowledge development.
The minister commended the management of the National Library of Nigeria and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the project.
He, however, urged contractors and consultants to match the government’s renewed financial commitment with urgency, professionalism and accountability.
The minister said he would continue to closely monitor the project alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government would not compromise on quality, standards and value for money.
Alausa stressed that every naira committed to the project must translate into a functional and modern facility that Nigerians would be proud to use.
The latest directive signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to bring an end to decades of delays surrounding the National Library project and deliver the long-awaited facility to Nigerians.
NAN
