FG sets 24-month target to finish National Library abandoned since 2014
- Education Minister Maruf Alausa says contractors have returned to the National Library site in Abuja.
- The project began in 2006 but was abandoned in 2014, leaving it dormant for nearly 12 years.
- The contractor, RCC, promises delivery in 18 months, differing from the government's 24-month target.
The Federal Government has set a 24-month target to complete the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, nearly 12 years after construction was abandoned.
Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to the site, ahead of a formal return-to-site ceremony on November 19 to be performed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Alausa said contractors had fully mobilised and resumed work, and promised prompt payment to prevent fresh 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.
He said the ministry had set up processes for contractors to request additional payments, and asked to be told about any administrative bottlenecks.
Why it matters
The library is meant to be a national centre for learning, research and Nigeria's historical archives. Its long abandonment has kept those resources from students, researchers and the public.
Alausa said the facility, once completed, will host international conferences, attract tourists and give Nigerians access to cultural heritage materials. It will also have special spaces for children and for people with visual and hearing impairments.
The minister credited President Bola Tinubu with directing that funds be mobilised and contractors return to site, and praised the First Lady's advocacy for helping secure additional funding.
He said the government was studying international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library.
Construction began in 2006 with an initial two-year timeline and was substantially completed in 2008 before work stopped in 2014. Alausa commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for securing the site and preserving existing structures during the idle years.
Timeline disagreement
There is a gap between the government's target and the contractor's promise. Alausa said the project would be completed in 24 months, while RCC Managing Director Nader Yusuf said the company would deliver within 18 months.
The minister also acknowledged the acting permanent secretary, Olatunji David, the National Library's chief executive and ministry officials for preparing the return to site.
Abandoned projects are a familiar problem in Nigeria. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors estimated in August 2021 that about 56,000 projects worth ₦12 trillion had been abandoned across the country.
What happens next: The formal flag-off is set for November 19. Nigerians will be watching whether payments flow and work continues without another stoppage.
