Alausa Hails Tinubu, First Lady Over National Library Revival

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their commitment to reviving the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja.

He said the interventions of the President and his wife had restored momentum to the project, which remained stalled for nearly 12 years after contractors left the site in 2014.

Alausa gave the commendation on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the construction site ahead of the First Lady’s scheduled flag-off of the return to site on November 19, 2026.

He disclosed that contractors had mobilised and resumed construction, expressing confidence that the government would complete the project within the stipulated 24-month period.

The minister also assured contractors of prompt payment, warning that administrative bottlenecks must not disrupt work.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education had established payment procedures to ensure that contractors received their funds without unnecessary 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 urged contractors and consultants to report any difficulty with payment processing directly to him, stressing that the government would not tolerate obstacles capable of delaying the project.

He attributed the renewed construction momentum to Tinubu’s directive to mobilise funds and return contractors to the site.

According to him, the President recognises education as a critical foundation for national development and has demonstrated this through sustained support for the sector.

“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,” he said.

The minister equally praised the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, noting that her intervention helped secure additional funding.

He said her vision extends beyond establishing a national repository of books and historical records. Rather, the facility would serve as an inclusive cultural and educational centre.

Alausa explained that the proposed library would feature specialised facilities for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments.

He said the design would ensure that all Nigerians could access the facility and benefit from its resources, regardless of their physical abilities.

The minister recalled that the National Library project commenced in 2006 with an initial completion target of two years. Although construction progressed substantially by 2008, work eventually stopped in 2014.

He expressed concern that a project of such national importance remained abandoned for so long, despite its significance to education, cultural preservation and historical documentation.

However, he commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the site, securing the premises and preserving existing infrastructure throughout the period of inactivity.

He said the company’s efforts had helped prevent deterioration and encroachment, thereby facilitating the resumption of construction.

Alausa also acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Olatunji David, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria and the ministry’s management team.

He extended his appreciation to the consultants and other stakeholders who coordinated preparations for the project’s revival.

The minister further praised the contractors handling furnishing and equipment, saying the government was examining international best practices to ensure that the facility meets modern standards.

He cited the Qatar National Library as one of the institutions providing useful lessons for the development of the Nigerian facility.

Upon completion, Alausa said the National Library would become a major cultural and educational destination, hosting international conferences and attracting tourists.

He added that it would provide Nigerians and international visitors with access to the country’s historical archives, intellectual resources and cultural heritage.

The minister urged the library’s management to sustain activities that would attract the public and establish the facility as a vibrant centre for learning and knowledge.

Earlier, the Managing Director of RCC, Engr. Nader Yusuf, thanked Alausa for visiting the site and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project.

Yusuf said the company would comply with the minister’s directives and complete its construction assignment within 18 months.

He explained that RCC had maintained adequate security at the site and prevented encroachment throughout the period of abandonment.

Alausa, however, reiterated the government’s determination to meet the overall 24-month completion target.

He urged contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work collaboratively and maintain established standards, assuring Nigerians that the ministry would closely monitor progress and ensure efficient handling of financial and administrative processes.