The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has directed contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project to meet agreed delivery timelines or face sanctions.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Ikharo Attah, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, Alausa gave the directive at a meeting with contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria, where he stressed the need for quality work, accountability and timely completion of the project.
“This is a change day. We will make you accountable for the timelines we’re going to set for ourselves,” Alausa told the stakeholders.
The minister said the government would establish reasonable delivery timelines and hold the 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,” he warned.
He said the Federal Government is ready to provide the funds needed to complete the project but will expect contractors and consultants to deliver according to agreed standards.
To further accelerate completion, Alausa disclosed that the project had been divided into two major components — physical infrastructure and furnishing — allowing both aspects to be pursued concurrently.
The minister’s renewed push for the completion of the National Library is coming against the backdrop of President Bola Tinubu’s prioritisation of education and human capital development as key drivers of national transformation.
Alausa described the National Library as far more than a physical structure, stressing that it is a critical national institution for learning, research, knowledge development and the building 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. Despite the original target of 2008, the project remained unfinished for years.
The Minister noted that the National Library occupies a prominent position in Abuja’s Central Business District, alongside other major national edifices, including the National Mosque and the National Economic Centre, which were completed earlier.
He said the renewed attention being given to the project reflects a fundamental shift in the Federal Government’s approach to education infrastructure under President Tinubu.
According to Alausa, the President has demonstrated strong political commitment to education through increased attention to the sector and innovative financing arrangements aimed at completing critical projects such as the National Library.
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