SIR: 17 years ago, Nigeria embarked on a very ambitious project, to build the largest library in Africa. Located between the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre, the National Library, Abuja was to be a grand edifice in the heart of Abuja where scholars, researchers and the general public would visit to consult and refresh their faculties for nation’s building and development.
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Contract for this multi-billionaire edifice was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Education in 2006 to Reynolds Construction Company, RCC, to the tune of N8.590,226, 393.00 billion. On April 6, 2006, the engines revved, and men and materials moved to site. A signpost right at the front of the imposing edifice in Abuja indicates that some of the finest architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and development consultants like Oduleye International Associates, BQC Consultants Limited, TechJob Associates, Mekon Associates, Etteh Aro & Partners, McAdog Associates and Odeleye Associates were to be part of the project.

Thereafter, the problems started with revision of the costs for the completion of the project from N8.590,226, 393.00 to N17 billion, to N38 billion, and now to nearly N100 billion as at today’s prices.  

But while the National Mosque and the Ecumenical Centre have been completed and have been up and running several years ago, the National Library of Nigeria is abandoned. When we visited the complex in Abuja recently, we found it completely overrun by weeds. Various construction materials like a giant crane remain in limbo, suspended in time and space. Rain water has eaten deep into the sensitive parts of the building and it is only a matter of time before the building goes down. See link:

Word around indicates that during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, he put in a strong argument in favour of the completion of the National Library Complex. Sources at the Federal Ministry of Education told us that it was the Education Minister who appeared slow with revving interest with the construction of the Library.   

Yet, as at October 26, 2023, the National Library building lies very fallow, very abandoned and is an eyesore on the Abuja skyline. Libraries are essential in promoting literacy, fostering a love for reading, providing access to information, supporting literacy and ICT skills, providing community space, preserving culture and heritage, and contributing towards the advancement of development priorities.

One of the reasons libraries are not accorded much attention in Nigeria is failure of ‘intellectualism’. ‘I wonder why our parliament is buying cars worth $160,000.00 for each member when that library is the way it is.
Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku is editor in chief of WADONOR cultural Voice of Nigeria. This piece is October cover story for WADONOR October 2023.
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