Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their unwavering dedication to finalizing the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, promising swift disbursements to contractors to avert further setbacks.
In a statement signed by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Alausa gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the project site on Wednesday, November 5, 2026, ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady scheduled for November 19.
The minister disclosed that contractors had fully mobilised to the site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeline.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted construction, insisting that the project would not suffer further delays.
“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.
Alausa also assured contractors of efficient payment processes and warned that any delay in processing payments or other administrative bottlenecks must be 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 stated.
The minister attributed the renewed momentum on the project to Tinubu’s intervention, saying the President had directed the mobilisation of funds and the return of contractors to the site.
He described the President’s commitment as a demonstration of visionary leadership and recognition of education as a critical driver 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. That is why this President has placed so much emphasis on education and given us all the support we need,” he said.
Alausa also praised the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, noting that her intervention had helped secure additional funding and advance plans for a modern National Library.
He said her vision extended beyond establishing a national repository of knowledge to creating an inclusive cultural and educational landmark accessible to children, persons with disabilities and other members of the public.
According to the minister, the proposed facility will have specialised spaces for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments.
Alausa recalled that the National Library project commenced in 2006 with an initial two-year completion timeline and was substantially completed in 2008 before construction was abandoned in 2014.
He said the project had remained dormant for nearly 12 years, describing the prolonged abandonment of the national edifice as a reflection of misplaced priorities, given its importance to Nigeria’s educational, cultural and archival development.
The minister, however, expressed satisfaction with preparations for the resumption of construction and commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the site and preserving the existing infrastructure during the period of inactivity.
He noted that the company’s efforts to secure the facility had made it possible to resume construction without significant setbacks.
Alausa also acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Olatunji David; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria; the ministry’s management team; consultants and other stakeholders involved in coordinating the project’s preparatory activities.
He further commended the furnishing and equipment contractors, noting that 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 facility.
The minister 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.
He urged the library’s management to ensure that the facility became a vibrant centre of learning and knowledge, with activities that would encourage public engagement and promote Nigeria’s educational and cultural identity.
Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of RCC, Engr. Nader Yusuf, thanked the minister for inspecting the project and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing the work within the stipulated 18-month timeline.
Yusuf assured Alausa that the company would comply with all directives, adding that it had maintained the site, provided adequate security and prevented encroachment throughout the period of inactivity.
He expressed confidence that the project would be delivered successfully in line with the Federal Government’s expectations.
The minister reiterated the government’s determination to complete the National Library within the agreed timeframe, urging contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work diligently and collaboratively while adhering to established standards.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry would maintain close supervision of the project and ensure that administrative and financial processes were handled efficiently to achieve timely completion.
What You Should Know
The Federal Government is reviving the construction of the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja after nearly 12 years of abandonment, targeting completion within 24 months. The project, originally started in 2006, will feature modern facilities including specialized spaces for children and people with visual or hearing impairments.
- Positive Impact: The completed library will serve as a major cultural, educational, and archival landmark, boosting research, tourism, and public access to national history.
- Potential Concerns: Past delays and long abandonment raise concerns about adherence to timelines, requiring strict financial oversight and monitoring to ensure smooth delivery.
