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 national monument, initiated under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, has seen a significant increase in costs since its reconstruction began in 2006 without being completed. 
 
Initially valued at less than N9 billion, the project’s price tag is now estimated to be about N200 billion.
 
Speaking while flagging off the 2024 National Readership Campaign in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the headquarters.  
 
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 gave the assurance that the Federal 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’, Mamman underscored the importance of reading in unlocking an individual’s 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 the Nigerian society. 
 
Represented by the Director, Special Duties in the ministry, Zubairu Abdullahi, the minister 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. 
    
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. 
 
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.