The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has called for increased government investment in libraries across the country as it held its 64th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Minna, Niger State.
The conference, which began on Tuesday, was themed: “Our Future, Our Hope: The State of Libraries and Librarianship in Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that the state government has entered into a robust partnership with Afric-Hub to revive public libraries across the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, the governor said the initiative is aimed at transforming libraries into modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs equipped with facilities that will enable users to access a wide range of educational and technological resources.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Library Association and its programmes.
Governor Bago also urged librarians to embrace emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that technological innovation is reshaping not only the academic environment but virtually every aspect of human endeavour.

The National President of the Nigerian Library Association, Dr. Lawal Umar, appealed for greater government support to revitalise libraries and make them more accessible and conducive for learning and research.
According to him, inadequate government commitment remains one of the major challenges confronting libraries in Nigeria.

“That is why we are carrying out advocacy, lobbying and engaging policymakers to ensure that government rekindles interest in our libraries and recognises the vital role of librarians in national development,” he said.
Dr. Umar stressed that repositioning libraries requires the collective efforts of governments, educational institutions and other stakeholders.

He added that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence has made it imperative for libraries to redefine their roles and adapt to changing realities.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ezerial Gbaje said repositioning libraries would require deliberate reforms, including retraining and reskilling library professionals, as well as reviewing relevant curricula to enable librarians contribute more effectively to national development.

Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, said libraries in Nigeria continue to face numerous challenges despite their indispensable role in education and national development.

He identified inadequate funding, obsolete infrastructure, limited technological facilities, poor access to current information resources, inability to subscribe to electronic databases and shortages of qualified personnel as some of the major problems confronting libraries.

Professor Suleiman added that the challenges are compounded by poor electricity supply, limited broadband connectivity, rising costs of information resources and inadequate investment in emerging technologies.
“Libraries face unique challenges that require urgent attention from governments, educational institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Library Association in Niger State, Dr. Musa Baba Adamu Umar, described the conference as timely, particularly against the backdrop of the declining culture of reading, learning and research in the country.

He expressed optimism that the conference would provide practical solutions to reposition libraries and strengthen librarianship in Nigeria.