National Library To Be Completed In 24 Months – Alausa

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) challenge in Abuja shall be accomplished throughout the stipulated 24-month timeline, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has assured.

Alausa gave the peace of mind throughout a familiarisation go to to the National Library challenge web site in Abuja, forward of the formal flag-off of the return to web site by the First Lady, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026.

The Minister disclosed that contractors had absolutely mobilised to web site and commenced building actions, expressing confidence that the challenge could be accomplished throughout the stipulated timeline.

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s dedication to making sure uninterrupted building, stressing that the challenge wouldn’t be allowed to endure additional delays.

“Our own commitment at the Federal Ministry of Education is that work will not stop for one day until we get to the point where we commission this building,” he stated.

Alausa additionally assured contractors of the Ministry’s readiness to ascertain environment friendly fee processes, warning that any delay in processing funds or different administrative bottlenecks should be promptly dropped at his consideration.

“We have put processes in place on how the contractor will request for additional payment. I am going to speak publicly to all contractors and consultants today. If there are delays in processing, I need to know. I want to be bothered because this is a commitment to the Nigerian people,” he said.

He stated the Federal Government will guarantee immediate fee to contractors to stop delays within the execution of the challenge.

The Minister recommended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for his or her dedication to the completion of the challenge.

The Minister attributed the renewed momentum on the challenge to the unwavering dedication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed the mobilisation of funding and the return of contractors to web site, emphasising that the completion of the National Library stays a precedence of the current administration.

He described the President’s intervention as an indication of visionary management and recognition of the central function of training in nationwide growth.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows exactly what this country needs. He knows that education is the bedrock of any egalitarian society. If any society must develop, it must educate its citizens. That is why this President has placed so much emphasis on education and given us all the support we need,” he stated.

Alausa equally recommended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and private dedication to the challenge, noting that her intervention had contributed considerably to securing further funding and advancing the imaginative and prescient of a contemporary National Library.

He disclosed that the First Lady’s imaginative and prescient for the challenge extends past the supply of a nationwide repository of information to the institution of an inclusive cultural and academic landmark that might cater for youngsters, individuals with disabilities and different members of the general public.

According to him, the proposed facility will incorporate specialised areas for youngsters and individuals with visible and listening to impairments, making certain that the library is accessible to all Nigerians.

The Minister recalled that the National Library challenge, which commenced in 2006 with an preliminary completion timeline of two years, was considerably accomplished in 2008 earlier than building actions had been deserted in 2014, leaving the challenge dormant for almost 12 years.

He expressed concern that the extended abandonment of the nationwide edifice mirrored misplaced priorities, contemplating the importance of the National Library to Nigeria’s academic, cultural and archival growth.

Alausa, nonetheless, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the direction of the resumption of building, commending Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for sustaining the location and preserving the present infrastructure all through the interval of inactivity.

He famous that the contractor’s dedication to securing the ability had made it potential to renew building actions with out important setbacks.

The Minister additionally acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Olatunji David; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria; the Ministry’s administration group; consultants and different stakeholders for his or her roles in coordinating the challenge’s preparatory processes and facilitating the return to web site.

He additional recommended the furnishing and gear contractors for his or her dedication to delivering a contemporary facility, noting that the Federal Government had continued to discover worldwide finest practices, together with classes from the Qatar National Library, to reinforce the standard and performance of the challenge.

Alausa said that upon completion, the National Library would function a serious nationwide cultural and academic centre, internet hosting worldwide conferences, attracting vacationers and offering entry to Nigeria’s historic archives and cultural heritage.

He charged the National Library administration to make sure that the ability turns into a vibrant centre of studying and information, with sustained actions that might encourage public engagement and promote the nation’s academic and cultural id.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), Engr. Nader Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his go to to the challenge web site and reaffirmed the corporate’s dedication to delivering the challenge throughout the stipulated 18-month timeline.

He assured the Minister that RCC would adhere to all directives, noting that the corporate had maintained the location, ensured ample safety and prevented encroachment all through the interval of inactivity.