After nearly two decades of delays, Nigeria’s stalled National Library project is finally set to resume construction by June 2025.
Education Minister Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa confirmed the development during an inspection visit to the Abuja site yesterday.
Originally launched in 2006 with a planned completion date of 2008, the project faced repeated setbacks before grinding to a halt in 2012.
In a last-minute move before leaving office, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to take over and finance the multi-billion-naira initiative.
Former Education Minister Tahir Mamman, appointed in 2023, had pledged to complete the project by 2025 before his removal from office.
Now, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Minister Alausa says the project has regained momentum. The first phase—covering critical structural and aesthetic upgrades—will pave the way for the long-awaited completion of this national landmark.
Alausa highlighted the library’s importance for human capital development, reaffirming the government’s commitment to Nigeria’s future through innovative strategies to deliver the monumental project.
“We had three national monuments that were planned for the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. We have the National Mosque, the National Ecumenical Centre, and the National Library.
“Ironically, today, almost 40 years after the National Mosque has been completed, the Ecumenical Centre has also been completed, yet we’re still battling to complete the National Library.
“The president believes so much in the capabilities of our youth, the future of our youth, and their abilities to move this country forward. And that’s why the president is committed to moving this project forward. As I said, it was designed in 1981 and construction started in 2006.
“And I can tell you today, the president has directed TETFund to set aside a certain percentage of their budget for us to start using for this project. My predecessor was here one year ago. My predecessor did everything possible for us to get to this point. We now have some money to move back to the site.
“We have a dedicated fund from TETFund to move back to the site. And I’ve spoken to the consultant and the contractors that we have a deadline of moving back to the site on or before June of this year, 2025.
“So, what we’re doing now is dividing it into phases. The first phase will commence on or before June 2025. And let me repeat what the first phase entails. Basement level one, basement level two, ground floor, first floor, and second floor. And all external work. We will finish all the perimeter work and the aesthetic parts of this building,” he added.
Also speaking, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), assured that the National Library would push for effective paperwork.
“We will be doing the push to the ministry, we will be doing the push to the consultant, to the contractor, to make sure that the timelines given by the Honourable Minister are actualised.
“Ours is to push and also to receive money from TETFund and make the payments,” she said.
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