FG vows National Library project completion in 24 months

The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to complete the National Library of Nigeria headquarters project in Abuja within 24 months, according to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. Alausa made the assurance during a site visit ahead of the formal resumption of construction by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, scheduled for November 19, 2026.

The minister emphasized the government's commitment to completing the project on time, warning contractors against delays and promising prompt payment to sustain construction work. He attributed the renewed efforts to President Bola Tinubu's commitment to education, recognizing it as a critical driver of national development. The First Lady's advocacy and personal commitment have also helped secure additional funding for the project.

The National Library of Nigeria, conceived in 1981 and initially awarded to Reynolds Construction Company in 2006, was initially expected to be completed in two years. However, funding challenges, contract variations, and disagreements over the cost of completion led to delays. The project was last resumed in March 2025, with the government adopting a phased approach to construction, targeting the completion of basement levels, ground floor, first and second floors, and external works.