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The Federal Government has fixed 2028 for the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, nearly two decades after the N8.59billion project was initiated and subsequently abandoned.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during an inspection of the project site, expressing confidence that the renewed construction work would be completed within the agreed timeframe.
The Minister’s inspection comes ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026.
Alausa said contractors had fully mobilised to site, adding that the Federal Government would ensure prompt release of funds to prevent another interruption to the project.
“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.
The minister’s assurance comes against the backdrop of renewed government intervention in the project, following the Federal Executive Council’s approval of N118.309billion for construction and an additional N37billion for furnishing, bringing the total funding requirement to about N155billion.
Alausa attributed the renewed commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, particularly his directive to mobilise resources, including funding support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), to complete the national edifice.
He also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for mobilising private contributions towards the project through her 65th birthday fundraising initiative.
Mrs Tinubu had, ahead of her birthday on September 21, 2025, appealed to Nigerians, friends and well-wishers to channel money intended for birthday gifts, cakes, flowers and newspaper advertisements towards completing the National Library.
The initiative, tagged Oluremi@65 Education Fund, eventually raised N25.52billion as of December 31, 2025.
The First Lady had described the completion of the library as the most meaningful birthday gift she could receive, citing her passion for education and the importance of preserving Nigeria’s intellectual heritage.
The contributions, alongside funds mobilised through TETFund and other government financing arrangements, provided fresh impetus for the project’s revival.
The Guardian reports that the National Library project was conceived in 1981, but construction of its Abuja headquarters did not commence until April 29, 2006, under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The project was initially awarded at N8.59billion, with a completion timeline of about two years. However, work stopped in October 2008, leaving the structure unfinished despite the initial deadline of 2008.
Successive administrations made attempts to revive the project, but escalating construction costs, inadequate funding and bureaucratic bottlenecks frustrated efforts to complete it.
By 2013, the project cost had reportedly risen to N18billion, while subsequent reviews pushed the estimated completion cost significantly higher.
Alausa expressed concern that a project of such national importance had remained abandoned for so long, describing its completion as a major priority of the Tinubu administration.
He assured contractors that the Ministry of Education would establish efficient payment procedures, warning that administrative delays must not be allowed to frustrate construction.
“If there are delays in processing, I need to know. I want to be bothered because this is a commitment to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that the completed facility would incorporate specialised spaces for children and persons with disabilities, including those with visual and hearing impairments.
According to him, the vision is to develop a modern, inclusive national institution that would serve not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a major cultural, educational and research centre.
He said the facility would host international conferences, attract tourists and provide Nigerians with access to the country’s historical archives and cultural heritage.
Speaking during the inspection, Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), Engr Nader Yusuf, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project, assuring that it would comply with the government’s directives and agreed construction schedule.
He said the company had maintained security at the site and prevented encroachment throughout the period of inactivity.
Alausa’s visit preceded the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady, scheduled for November 19.
He urged contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work collaboratively, stressing that the government would maintain close supervision to ensure that the 2028 completion target was achieved.
