The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has issued matching orders to contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project to meet delivery timelines to be set by the Federal Government or face sanctions.
Alausa gave the directive in Abuja during a meeting with stakeholders in the project, including contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria, stressing that while the government was prepared to provide the necessary funding, it would demand commensurate performance, quality and accountability.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said the government would establish realistic delivery timelines and hold contractors and consultants accountable for commitments contained in the agreements being developed for the project.
“This is a change day. We will make you accountable for the timelines we’re going to set for ourselves,” Alausa told the stakeholders.
He warned that failure to meet agreed targets would attract appropriate sanctions, saying, “If you’re not meeting your guidelines, the timelines, I’m sorry, you’ll be penalised.”
The minister said the Federal Government was determined to end the prolonged construction of the National Library, adding that the renewed contractual arrangements would incorporate appropriate incentives and disincentives to drive performance and ensure timely delivery.
To accelerate completion, Alausa disclosed that the project had been divided into two major components, physical infrastructure and furnishing, which would be pursued concurrently.
He assured contractors that the government would make funds available to support the project, but stressed that funding would be matched by strict expectations on delivery, quality and adherence to agreed standards.
The renewed push for the completion of the National Library comes against the backdrop of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prioritisation of education and human capital development as key drivers of national transformation.
Alausa described the National Library as more than a physical structure, stressing that it is a critical national institution for learning, research, knowledge development and human capital formation.
He recalled that the project was conceived in 1981, while construction commenced in 2006 with an initial 24-month completion period. Despite an original completion target of 2008, the project has remained unfinished for years.
The minister noted that the National Library occupies a strategic location in Abuja’s Central Business District, alongside other major national edifices, including the National Mosque and the National Economic Centre, which were completed earlier.
He said the renewed attention being given to the project reflected a fundamental shift in the Federal Government’s approach to education infrastructure under the Tinubu administration.
According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated strong political commitment to education through increased attention to the sector and innovative financing arrangements aimed at completing critical projects such as the National Library.
Alausa expressed appreciation to the President for providing the political will and support required to move the project forward, describing him as a leader who recognises education as essential to Nigeria’s future.
The minister also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her personal commitment to the project and efforts to mobilise additional support towards its completion.
He recalled that the First Lady, a former teacher and advocate for education, used her 2025 birthday to mobilise support for the National Library, raising about N25 billion within two months towards the project.
Alausa described the intervention as a demonstration of the First Lady’s commitment to education and the future of Nigerian children.
He further disclosed that the First Lady’s visit to the National Library of Qatar had influenced the Federal Government’s vision for the Nigerian facility, following her call for Nigerian officials and project stakeholders to study the world-class library and incorporate relevant modern features into the Nigerian project.
Alausa said the objective was not merely to complete an abandoned structure but to deliver a modern national institution capable of serving Nigerians to global standards.
“We’ll have a National Library that looks like National Library of Qatar,” he said.
He explained that the renewed vision for the facility would place greater emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, with dedicated spaces and appropriate facilities for children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.
He added that attention was also being paid to modern and ergonomic furniture, noting 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, while charging contractors and consultants to match the government’s renewed commitment with urgency, professionalism and accountability.
He said the Ministry of Education, working with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, would maintain close oversight of the project and ensure that all stakeholders remained focused on delivering their respective responsibilities.
Alausa reaffirmed that the Federal Government would not compromise on quality, standards or value for money, stressing that every naira committed to the project must translate into a facility Nigerians can use and be proud of.
He added that the strong support of President Tinubu and the First Lady had strengthened the drive to complete the project, assuring that the Ministry of Education would remain focused on delivering a modern, inclusive and world-class National Library for Nigerians and generations to come.
