Minister of Education Promises Completion of National Library Phase I by June 2025
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has announced that the first phase of the National Library project in Abuja is set for completion by June 2025. This commitment came during a recent on-site inspection of the ongoing construction.
The first phase, according to Alausa, will encompass two basement levels, a ground floor, and first and second floors, in addition to essential external works such as perimeter fencing. The minister acknowledged that variations in the project’s bill of quantities have contributed to delays.
“Numerous variations have arisen throughout this project. The contractor’s initial quotation of approximately N90 billion contains several conflicting elements,” Alausa clarified. He emphasized that while completing the National Library remains a priority, the government must also allocate funding to other pressing projects.
He noted that if a current cost evaluation were carried out, it could reach several hundred billion naira. However, Alausa revealed that an innovative approach has been adopted to expedite progress, starting with the completion of phase one. “We have sufficient funds for the project, but final costing is still pending based on the consultant’s prepared bill of quantities,” he stated.
To ensure the timely advancement of the National Library, the project has been divided into phases, and Alausa confirmed that construction would recommence on site by June 2025.
The minister also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his political backing and commitment to seeing the project through to completion. He voiced concerns about the prolonged delays, noting that while other national monuments, such as the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre, have been completed, the National Library remains unfinished nearly 40 years after its design in 1981.
“This library is vital for our human capital development. With renewed political will, we are dedicated to pushing this project forward,” Alausa stated.
Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, the National Librarian, echoed the minister’s sentiments, assuring that steps are being taken to meet the upcoming deadline. “A directive has been issued for the contractor to return to the site, and we are fully committed to ensuring the deadline is met,” she affirmed.
Significantly, the National Library, which commenced construction in 2006 and was originally slated for completion by 2008, faced substantial delays after work stalled in 2012, leaving an important national resource incomplete for over a decade. The library is envisioned as a vital repository of Nigeria’s heritage, encompassing documents, reports, monographs, books, research papers, and newspapers.