The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has assured contractors handling the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja of prompt payment, warning that administrative bottlenecks must not disrupt construction work.
Alausa gave the assurance on Wednesday, November 5, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the project site ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, scheduled for November 19.
The minister said contractors had fully mobilised to the site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education had put mechanisms in place to ensure efficient processing of contractors’ payment requests, adding that any delay must be brought to his attention.
“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,” Alausa said.
The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary support and directing the mobilisation of funds for the project’s completion. He described the President’s intervention as evidence of his commitment to education and national development.
He also praised the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, noting that her intervention had helped secure additional funding and advance plans for a modern National Library.
According to Alausa, the proposed facility will go beyond serving as a national repository of knowledge to become an inclusive cultural and educational centre. It will feature specialised spaces for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments, ensuring accessibility for all Nigerians.
The National Library project commenced in 2006 with an initial two-year completion target. Although it was substantially completed in 2008, construction activities were abandoned in 2014, leaving the facility dormant for nearly 12 years.
Alausa expressed concern over the prolonged abandonment, describing it as a reflection of misplaced national priorities given the importance of the institution to Nigeria’s educational, cultural and archival development.
He, however, commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the project site, preserving existing infrastructure and providing security throughout the period of inactivity.
Speaking during the visit, RCC Managing Director, Engr Nader Yusuf, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing the project within 18 months. He assured the minister that the company would comply with all directives and maintain the required construction standards.
Alausa 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 the project’s resumption.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was exploring international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to improve the quality and functionality of the facility.
The minister said the completed National Library would serve as a major cultural and educational centre, hosting international conferences, attracting tourists and providing Nigerians with access to historical archives and the country’s cultural heritage.
He urged the National Library management to ensure that the facility becomes an active centre of learning and public engagement rather than merely a building for storing books.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to complete the project within the agreed timeframe, assuring Nigerians that the ministry would maintain close supervision and address administrative and financial challenges that could hinder its delivery.
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