The Federal Ministry of Education is pleased to announce that construction work on the National Library will recommence on June 1, 2025. This decision, endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and spearheaded by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, marks a significant step toward completing a project that has been on hold for nearly two decades.
Alausa stated during an official site inspection in Abuja that the Tinubu administration’s unwavering political will is driving this long-awaited revival. “We now have dedicated funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) that will enable us to move back to the site on or before June this year,” the Minister confirmed. He added that the project, which is expected to require substantial investment, will be executed in carefully planned phases to ensure quality and timely delivery.
The initial phase of the revival will concentrate on completing the basement levels one and two, as well as the ground, first, and second floors, together with the external works. “Our approach is both innovative and pragmatic,” Minister Alausa explained. “Even though earlier estimates placed the remaining cost at around Ninety billion naira with revised costs expected to run into the hundreds of billions, we are committed to moving the project forward efficiently with the resources at hand.”
Designed in 1981 and launched in 2006 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the National Library project was originally expected to be completed within 22 months. However, due to funding challenges, work was suspended in 2012. Unlike other national monuments in Abuja, such as the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre, the National Library has remained unfinished for nearly 40 years. Recognizing its vital role as a repository of Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual heritage, the Ministry is determined to bring the project to fruition.
National Librarian Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, present during the inspection, reiterated the agency’s full commitment to the project. “This library is not only a repository of our nation’s documents, reports, and research but a cornerstone for human capital development in Nigeria,” she remarked. The Ministry is working closely with consultants and contractors to finalize the detailed cost estimates and ensure that every phase of construction meets the highest standards.
The President’s directive to allocate a specific percentage of TETFund’s budget to this critical project underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape. With the reallocation of funds and a clear plan in place, the Ministry of Education is poised to reinvigorate this longstanding national asset.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director Press and Public Relations
27th of March 2025
