The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has warned contractors handling the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja against delays, assuring them that the Federal Government will ensure prompt payment to sustain construction activities and guarantee timely completion.
Alausa gave the assurance on Wednesday, November 5, 2026, during an inspection visit to the project site ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, scheduled for November 19.
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Mr. Ikharo Attah, in a statement, quoted the Minister as saying contractors have fully mobilised to site and commenced construction, while expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted work, insisting that the project would not be allowed to suffer further delays after nearly 12 years of abandonment.
“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.
The Minister also assured contractors that the ministry would establish efficient payment mechanisms to prevent financial bottlenecks, warning that any administrative delays affecting the release of funds must be brought to his attention.
“We have put processes in place on how the contractor will request for additional payment. I am going to speak publicly to all contractors and consultants today. If there are delays in processing, I need to know. I want to be bothered because this is a commitment to the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Alausa attributed the renewed momentum on the project to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, particularly his directive for the mobilisation of funds and the return of contractors to site.
He said the President recognised education as a critical driver of national development and had demonstrated strong commitment to repositioning the sector through sustained government support.
“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. That is why this President has placed so much emphasis on education and given us all the support we need,” he said.
The minister also commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to ensuring the completion of the project, noting that her intervention had helped secure additional funding and advance the vision of a modern National Library.
According to him, the First Lady’s vision goes beyond establishing a national repository of knowledge to creating an inclusive cultural and educational landmark accessible to all Nigerians.
He explained that the facility would incorporate specialised spaces for children and persons with disabilities, including those with visual and hearing impairments.
Alausa recalled that construction of the National Library commenced in 2006, with an initial two-year completion target, and was substantially completed in 2008 before work was abandoned in 2014.
He described the prolonged abandonment of the national project as a reflection of misplaced priorities, given its importance to Nigeria’s educational, cultural and archival development.
However, he expressed satisfaction with preparations for the resumption of construction, commending Reynolds Construction Company, RCC, for maintaining the site and preserving the existing infrastructure throughout the period of inactivity.
He said the contractor’s efforts to secure the facility had made it possible to resume work without significant setbacks.
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Olatunji David; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria; the ministry’s management team; consultants and other stakeholders towards facilitating the project’s return to site.
He further commended the furnishing and equipment contractors for their commitment, noting that the Federal Government had continued to explore international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to ensure the delivery of a modern facility.
Alausa said the completed National Library would serve as a major cultural and educational centre, providing access to Nigeria’s historical archives and cultural heritage while hosting international conferences and attracting tourists.
He charged the management of the institution to ensure that the facility remained an active centre of learning and knowledge, with regular programmes capable of encouraging public engagement and promoting Nigeria’s educational and cultural identity.
The Minister reiterated the government’s determination to complete the National Library within the agreed timeframe, urging contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to maintain high standards, work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to the project.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry would sustain close supervision and ensure that administrative and financial processes were handled efficiently to prevent setbacks.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company, Engr. Nader Yusuf, thanked the minister for visiting the project site and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the facility within its stipulated 18-month timeline.
Yusuf assured that RCC would comply with the minister’s directives, adding that the company had maintained adequate security, protected the facility and prevented encroachment throughout the period of inactivity.
He expressed confidence that the project would be successfully delivered in line with the Federal Government’s expectations.
