The Federal Government has indicated that the ultra-modern National Library Headquarters complex in Abuja will be ready by June 2025, 44 years after it was conceived.
The new National Library was conceived in 1981, but its construction eventually took off in 2006 during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa gave the assurance of completion of the first phase of the project on Wednesday when he visited the project site for on-the-spot assessment.
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The minister stated that the first phase of the project would include two basement levels, the ground floor, first and second floors, as well as all external works, including perimeter fencing
Dr Alausa explained that variations in the bill of quantities contributed to the delay in completing the project.
According to the minister, “There have been numerous variations in this project. Even the contractor’s quotation from a few years ago, which was about N90 billion, contains several conflicting elements.”
“If we were to re-evaluate the cost today, it would run into hundreds of billions of naira.
“However, we have adopted an innovative approach to move the project forward, starting with the completion of phase one.”
The minister gave assurances that there were sufficient funds available for the project but stated that final costing was still pending, based on the bill of quantities to be prepared by the consultant.
He noted that, “We are dividing the project into phases. For the first phase, we will commence work on-site on or before June 2025.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the completion of the project within the shortest possible time.
Expressing concern over the prolonged delay, he highlighted how other national monuments had been completed long ago while the National Library remained unfinished.
“We have three national monuments in Abuja—the National Mosque, the National Ecumenical Centre, and the National Library.
“Ironically, almost 40 years after the National Mosque and the Ecumenical Centre were completed, we are still struggling to complete the National Library.
“This library is a crucial part of our human capital development, and now, with the highest political will, we are committed to pushing this project forward,” he stated.
The National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, assured that efforts were underway to meet the deadline set by the minister.
“A directive has been issued for the contractor to return to the site, and we are committed to ensuring the deadline is met,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of the national library, describing it as a repository of the nation’s heritage, including documents, reports, monographs, books, research papers, and newspapers.