The Network of Abuja Left Groups has demanded an independent investigation into alleged financial impropriety, procurement violations and victimisation of workers at the National Library of Nigeria.

The group, comprising the Creative Change Centre, Education Rights Campaign, Anti-Imperialist, Nigeria, Save Public Education Campaign and Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights, also called for immediate protection of workers and union activists who have petitioned authorities over alleged wrongdoing in the institution.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the group said workers under the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) and Nigerian Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processing and Allied Workers (NUPSRAW) had raised serious concerns over the administration of the National Library, including alleged punitive postings, queries and other forms of victimisation.

The statement was signed by Omole Ibukun of the Creative Change Centre; Michael Adaramoye Lenin of the Education Rights Campaign; Daniel Akande of the Anti-Imperialist, Nigeria; Kayode Salako of the Save Public Education Campaign; and Abdullahi Bilal of the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights.

It said previous petitions by workers to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had raised allegations of corruption, contract inflation and breaches of public procurement procedures.

The group recalled that The Guardian had reported in January 2025 that National Library budget documents contained allocations of N2 million, N4 million and N7 million for budget preparation and administration in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 budgets respectively, amounting to N13 million.

It said the figures, alongside other allegations contained in petitions to the ICPC, required public scrutiny, particularly amid complaints about the deteriorating condition of facilities at the institution.

“After over two years since the start of the ICPC investigations, our Network insists that allegations supported by documentary complaints simply disappear into bureaucratic files, and whistle-blowers who have provided concrete evidence deserve protection,” the statement said.

The group alleged that workers who participated in earlier complaints had subsequently faced postings and queries despite what petitioners described as ongoing investigations.

It therefore called on the ICPC and other relevant agencies to publicly clarify the status of the petitions and conclude any outstanding investigations without interference.

The Network also demanded an immediate halt to what it described as alleged victimisation of workers and union officials involved in lawful petitions, investigations and trade union activities.

It called for a review of punitive postings, queries and disciplinary actions allegedly linked to whistleblowing activities, pending an independent determination of the facts.

The group further demanded a transparent audit of major contracts and expenditures at the National Library, particularly projects and contracts specifically cited in workers’ petitions to investigative authorities.

It also urged the government to commission an independent assessment of the physical condition of the library’s facilities and archival collections, warning that books, documents and other materials of national heritage could be at risk.

Describing the National Library as an institution entrusted with preserving Nigeria’s intellectual and documentary heritage, the group said its administration must be subjected to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“A national library is not the private estate of any registrar, librarian, administrator or governing board. It is a public institution established to preserve knowledge for present and future generations,” it said.

The group also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene, arguing that the allegations could no longer be treated as an internal administrative matter because they involved public funds, workers’ rights and the preservation of national heritage.

It said the Federal Government should ensure transparent reporting of the National Library’s budgets, procurement, expenditure and institutional performance.

“The National Library preserves the memory of Nigeria. It must not become a place where evidence of wrongdoing is buried,” the group said.