Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, says the federal government plans to complete the first phase of the long-delayed national library project in Abuja by June 2025.
Alausa spoke during an on-the-spot inspection of the project on Wednesday.
He said the phase would include two basement levels, the ground, first/second floors, and external works like perimeter fencing.
The minister attributed delays to variations in the bill of quantities, stating that a previous contractor’s quotation of about N90 billion contained conflicting cost elements.
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Despite funding constraints, Alausa assured that an innovative approach would see work resume by mid-year.
“There have been numerous variations in this project. If we were to re-evaluate the cost today, it would run into hundreds of billions of naira. However, we are adopting a phased approach to ensure steady progress,” he said.
Alausa acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s political support in fast-tracking the project.
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He expressed concern that while other national monuments (such as the national mosque and national ecumenical centre) were completed decades ago, the national library remained unfinished.
“This library is vital for human capital development. With the highest political will, we are committed to pushing this project forward,” he said.
Chinwe Anunobi, the national librarian, assured that the contractor handling the national library had been directed to return to the site.
He added that the library would serve as a key repository for Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
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The national library was first designed in 1981, with construction beginning in 2006 and an initial completion target set for 2008.
However, work stalled in 2012, leading to prolonged delays.
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