FG reaffirms commitment to completing National Library headquarters

As the National Library of Nigeria marks this year’s Annual Readership Promotion Campaign, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to completing the National Library of Nigeria’s headquarters.

The Guardian reports that the project has been stalled for nearly two decades.

The national monument, initiated under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has seen a significant increase in costs since its reconstruction began in 2006.

Initially valued at less than N9 billion, the project’s price tag is now estimated to be at least N200 billion.

This substantial jump in costs raises concerns about the management and allocation of funds for this prestigious project.

Nigeria has struggled with preserving its cultural heritage sites, with many national monuments falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and poor management. The country’s heritage legislation, such as the National Commission for Museums and Monuments Act, aims to protect these sites, but implementation and enforcement remain challenges.

Stakeholders in the education sector say the long-overdue completion of the National Library headquarters will finally provide a permanent home for the project, which currently operates from rented apartments in the nation’s capital.

They noted that by completing the headquarters, the Federal Government will not only be supporting the library’s mission to provide a serene and quiet environment for studying, fostering a culture of reading among Nigerians but also boosting the library’s efforts in promoting literacy and preserving the nation’s intellectual heritage.

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Speaking while flagging off the 2024 National Readership Campaign in Abuja, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the headquarters.

Speaking at the programme yesterday, the Minister, did not, however, state the timeline within which the project would be completed.

Recall that in August 2023, Mamman had assured that the project would be completed in 21 months.

He assured that the Nigerian government would not only review the National Policy on Library and Information System but also increase budgetary allocation for library development.

Sharing his thoughts on the theme of the event, ‘Reading Without Boundaries: A Renewed Hope’, Prof. Mamman underscored the importance of reading in unlocking individual potential, innovation, and national progress.

According to him, the theme aligns with the government’s ‘Education for Renewed Hope’ roadmap, aiming to make literacy a deeply ingrained culture in Nigerian society.

Represented by the Director, Special Duties in the Ministry, Zubairu Abdullahi, Prof Mamman said the campaign’s primary focus is breaking down barriers to reading, ensuring everyone has access to reading materials, regardless of background, age, or location.

The event which was graced by some schools in the Federal Capital Territory, also witnessed the presentation of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe by students of Danmak Schools Mpape, Abuja.

On her part, the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, highlighted the objective of the annual event to include promoting literacy, fostering inclusivity, breaking barriers as well as encouraging critical thinking, informed decision-making, and active participation.

She called for the reintroduction of reading hours in timetables of schools nationwide, stressing that by incorporating reading hours into school timetables, the country can cultivate a literate, informed, and critically thinking population.

She said: “In a bid to “Catch Them Young,” this campaign prioritises pupils and students in secondary and primary schools, as well as those in Hard-to-Reach Communities. In previous campaigns, we have reached Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, Nigerian Correctional Centers, artisans, market groups, hospitals, and motor parks, underscoring our commitment to making reading accessible to all segments of society thereby engendering inclusivity.

“Our efforts in reinvigorating reading among Nigerians are multi-faceted. We are advocating for the institution of a National Reading Day and the reintroduction of reading hours into the timetables of all basic and secondary schools across the country”.