The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has warned contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project that they will face sanctions if they fail to meet delivery timelines to be set by the Federal Government.
Alausa issued the warning in Abuja on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting with contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria, where he ordered all parties involved in the long delayed project to match the government’s renewed funding commitment with quality, accountability and timely delivery.
“This is a change day. We will make you accountable for the timelines we’re going to set for ourselves,” the minister told the stakeholders.
He said the Federal Government would establish reasonable completion timelines and hold contractors and consultants to the commitments contained in the agreements being developed for the project.
“If you’re not meeting your guidelines, the timelines, I’m sorry, you’ll be penalised,” Alausa warned.
The minister said the government was prepared to provide the necessary funding to accelerate the project but would demand commensurate performance and value for money.
He disclosed that the project had been divided into two major components physical infrastructure and furnishing to enable both aspects to proceed concurrently and speed up completion.
Alausa said the era of allowing the National Library project to remain indefinitely under construction must end, adding that the new contractual arrangements would contain appropriate incentives and disincentives to ensure performance.
The renewed push to complete the project comes amid the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emphasis on education and human capital development as key drivers of national transformation.
Describing the National Library as more than a physical structure, Alausa said the institution was critical to learning, research, knowledge development and the development of Nigeria’s human capital.
He recalled that the National Library was conceived in 1981, while construction commenced in 2006 with an initial 24-month completion period. The project was originally expected to be completed in 2008 but has remained unfinished for years.
The minister noted that the facility occupies a prominent location in Abuja’s Central Business District alongside other major national landmarks, including the National Mosque and the National Economic Centre, which were completed earlier.
Alausa said the renewed government attention to the project reflected a shift in the Federal Government’s approach to education infrastructure, noting that President Tinubu had demonstrated political commitment to the sector through increased attention and innovative financing arrangements.
He expressed appreciation to the President for providing the political will and support required to move the project forward.
The minister also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her intervention and efforts to mobilise additional support for the project.
He recalled that the First Lady, a former teacher and education advocate, used her 2025 birthday to mobilise support for the National Library, raising about N25 billion within two months towards the project.
Alausa said the intervention demonstrated her commitment to education and the future of Nigerian children.
He further disclosed that the First Lady’s visit to the National Library of Qatar had influenced the Federal Government’s vision for the Nigerian facility, following her call for Nigerian officials and project stakeholders to study the world class library and incorporate relevant modern features.
“We’ll have a National Library that looks like National Library of Qatar,” Alausa said.
He explained that the new vision would go beyond completing the abandoned structure to creating a modern, inclusive national institution capable of serving Nigerians to global standards.
According to him, the facility will include dedicated spaces and appropriate facilities for children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.
He added that modern and ergonomic furniture would also form part of the renewed focus, noting that relevant officials and contractors had visited the Qatar National Library to study its facilities and furnishing standards.
Alausa charged contractors and consultants to respond to the government’s renewed commitment with urgency, professionalism and accountability.
He said the Ministry of Education, working with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, would maintain close oversight of the project and ensure that all stakeholders delivered on their responsibilities.
The minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government would not compromise on quality, standards or value for money.
“Every naira committed to the project must translate into a facility that Nigerians can use and be proud of,” he said.
He added that the strong support of President Tinubu and the First Lady had strengthened the government’s determination to complete the project and deliver a modern, inclusive and world class National Library for present and future generations.
