Alausa Gives Contractors Deadline to End 20-Year National Library Delay

The Federal Government has given contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project fresh marching orders to end the 20-year delay and meet delivery targets.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, issued the directive in Abuja during a meeting with contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria.

Alausa warned that the government would sanction any contractor or consultant who fails to meet agreed timelines or compromises the quality of work.

He said the government was ready to provide the funding required to complete the project but would demand commensurate performance and accountability.

“This is a change day. We will make you accountable for the timelines we’re going to set for ourselves,” Alausa told the stakeholders.

The minister said the government would establish realistic deadlines and hold all parties to the commitments contained in the agreements being developed for the project.

“If you’re not meeting your guidelines, the timelines, I’m sorry, you’ll be penalised,” he warned.

Alausa said the government would no longer tolerate a situation where the National Library remained under construction indefinitely.

To accelerate delivery, he disclosed that the project had been divided into two major components: physical infrastructure and furnishing.

He said both components would proceed concurrently, while the government would release funds to support the work.

The minister stressed, however, that funding would go hand in hand with strict expectations on quality, delivery and value for money.

The renewed push comes against the backdrop of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on education and human capital development.

Alausa described the National Library as a critical national institution rather than just another government building.

According to him, the facility will support learning, research, knowledge development and the growth of Nigeria’s human capital.

He recalled that the National Library was conceived in 1981, while construction began in 2006 with an initial 24-month completion period.

The project therefore should have been completed in 2008. Instead, it remained unfinished for almost two decades.

Alausa said the facility occupies a prominent position in Abuja’s Central Business District, alongside other major national landmarks.

He said the government’s renewed attention reflected a change in its approach to education infrastructure under the Tinubu administration.

The minister commended President Tinubu for providing the political will and support needed to move the project towards completion.

He also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her personal commitment and efforts to mobilise additional funding for the project.

Alausa recalled that the First Lady used her 2025 birthday to rally support for the National Library and raised about N25 billion within two months.

He described the intervention as a strong demonstration of her commitment to education and the future of Nigerian children.

The minister also disclosed that the First Lady’s visit to the National Library of Qatar had influenced the government’s vision for the Nigerian facility.

He said she encouraged Nigerian officials and project stakeholders to study the world-class library and adopt relevant modern features.

“We’ll have a National Library that looks like National Library of Qatar,” Alausa said.

He explained that the objective was not simply to finish the abandoned structure but to create a modern institution capable of serving Nigerians to global standards.

The new vision, he said, would place greater emphasis on accessibility and inclusion.

The facility will provide dedicated spaces and appropriate features for children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.

Alausa added that the government was also paying attention to modern and ergonomic furniture as part of the furnishing component.

He disclosed that relevant officials and contractors had visited the Qatar National Library to study its facilities and furnishing standards.

The minister commended the management of the National Library of Nigeria and other stakeholders for their contributions.

He nevertheless charged contractors and consultants to respond to the government’s renewed commitment with urgency, professionalism and accountability.

Alausa said the Ministry of Education, working with the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, would maintain close oversight of the project.

He reaffirmed that the government would not compromise quality, standards or value for money.

According to him, every naira committed to the project must translate into a functional facility that Nigerians can use and be proud of.

The minister said the government would remain focused on delivering a modern, inclusive and world-class National Library for Nigerians and future generations.