FG targets 24 months to complete N155bn National Library reconstruction

The Federal Government has set a 24-month deadline for the completion of the ongoing reconstruction of the National Library headquarters complex in Abuja.

Tunji Alausa, minister of education, announced the timeline on Thursday during a familiarisation visit to the project site.

The federal government commenced the project in 2006, with an initial completion target of two years. The contract was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) at the cost of N8.59 billion.

However, the project has suffered nearly two decades of delays due to funding constraints, contract variations and disagreements over the cost of completion.

In August, the federal government approved an additional N118.309 billion for the completion of construction works, alongside N37 billion for furnishing the facility.

The approvals bring the total funding requirement for the completion and furnishing of the project to approximately N155 billion.

Speaking during the visit, Alausa assured Nigerians that the government would ensure the project is completed within the new deadline.

He said measures had been introduced to prevent further delays caused by funding and administrative bottlenecks.

“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.

“We have put processes in place on how the contractor will request 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.”

The minister said the renewed commitment followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu to release funds and ensure contractors returned to the construction site.

According to him, the president recognises the importance of education to national development and has provided the necessary support to advance the sector.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows exactly what this country needs. He knows that education is the bedrock of any egalitarian society,” Alausa said.

“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.”

Alausa also commended Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, for her commitment to the project, saying her sustained advocacy contributed to securing additional funding for its completion.

The National Library headquarters project was conceived in 1981, while construction began on April 29, 2006, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Established in 1964, the National Library of Nigeria is the country’s apex library institution. Its statutory responsibilities include collecting, preserving and providing access to the nation’s published intellectual heritage.