FG sets 18-month deadline to complete abandoned National Library project
The federal government has set an 18-month deadline for the completion of the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, following the resumption of construction nearly 12 years after it was abandoned.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection of the project site ahead of the formal return-to-site ceremony scheduled for November 19, to be unveiled by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Alausa said the resumption of construction demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He recalled that construction of the National Library began in 2006 with an initial two-year completion target but was abandoned in 2014, leaving the project unattended for nearly 12 years.
Describing the resumption as a significant milestone, the minister said the Federal Government was determined to ensure the project was completed within the approved timeframe.
He commended Tinubu for providing the necessary funding to revive the project and acknowledged the First Lady’s intervention and efforts in mobilising additional resources.
Alausa said, “I also express my profound appreciation to the First Lady for her personal intervention and efforts in mobilising additional resources towards actualising this project.”
He explained that the First Lady’s interest in the project was inspired by her exposure to the Qatar National Library, reinforcing the ambition to establish a modern institution capable of preserving Nigeria’s heritage and expanding access to knowledge.
