By Adeola Kunle
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their decisive interventions towards completing the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria project, assuring contractors that the Federal Government will provide timely payments to guarantee uninterrupted construction work.
Dr Alausa gave the assurance on Wednesday, November 5, 2026, during an inspection and familiarisation visit to the National Library project site in Abuja, ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026.
The Minister disclosed that contractors had fully mobilised to the site and commenced construction, expressing optimism that the project would be delivered within the stipulated 24-month period.
He reiterated the Federal Ministry of Education's determination to ensure continuous construction activities, declaring that the project would no longer be subjected to unnecessary interruptions or further 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 said.
To guarantee the smooth execution of the project, Dr Alausa assured contractors that the Ministry would put in place effective payment mechanisms, while directing them to report immediately any administrative challenges or delays in processing payments.
"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 stated.
The Minister explained that the renewed progress on the project was made possible by President Tinubu's firm commitment, particularly his directive for the release and mobilisation of funds and the return of contractors to the construction site. He maintained that completing the National Library remains an important priority of the present administration.
He described the President's intervention as evidence of purposeful leadership and a clear understanding of the importance of education to national growth and development.
"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 said.
Dr Alausa also recognised the First Lady's consistent advocacy and personal involvement in the project, noting that her efforts had played a significant role in facilitating additional funding and advancing the plan to transform the National Library into a modern public institution.
According to the Minister, the First Lady's vision goes beyond establishing a national centre for preserving knowledge. It also seeks to create an inclusive cultural and educational destination that accommodates children, persons with disabilities and other categories of library users.
He explained that the proposed facility would feature dedicated sections for children and specialised provisions for persons with visual and hearing impairments, ensuring that Nigerians, regardless of their physical abilities, can access its services.
Tracing the history of the project, the Minister recalled that construction began in 2006, with an original completion target of two years. Although the building was substantially completed in 2008, work was eventually discontinued in 2014, leaving the project abandoned for almost 12 years.
He described the prolonged neglect of such an important national institution as a reflection of misplaced priorities, considering the National Library's strategic contribution to education, cultural preservation and the country's archival heritage.
However, Dr Alausa expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the resumption of construction and praised Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for safeguarding the project site and preserving the existing structures during the years of inactivity.
He noted that the company's efforts to protect the facility against deterioration and encroachment had created favourable conditions for construction to recommence without major setbacks.
The Minister equally acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Olatunji David; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria; members of the Ministry's management team; project consultants and other stakeholders whose efforts facilitated the preparatory arrangements and the return of contractors to site.
He also appreciated the furnishing and equipment contractors for their commitment to delivering a contemporary library facility, adding that the Federal Government had continued to examine international standards and successful models, including the Qatar National Library, to improve the project's quality, design and operational capacity.
According to Dr Alausa, the completed National Library will become a prominent centre for national learning, culture and intellectual engagement, with facilities capable of hosting international conferences, attracting tourists and providing researchers and members of the public with access to Nigeria's historical records and cultural heritage.
He urged the management of the National Library to develop a sustainable programme of activities that would make the institution an active destination for learning, research and public engagement while promoting Nigeria's educational and cultural identity.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), Engr. Nader Yusuf, thanked the Minister for visiting the project site and reaffirmed the company's readiness to deliver the assignment within the stipulated 18-month construction timeline.
Engr. Yusuf assured the Minister that RCC would comply fully with all directives and project requirements. He explained that the company had continued to maintain the site, provide adequate security and prevent unauthorised encroachment throughout the period when construction was suspended.
He expressed confidence that the company would successfully complete the project in accordance with the Federal Government's expectations.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Alausa restated the government's resolve to deliver the National Library within the agreed timeframe, calling on contractors, consultants and all relevant stakeholders to demonstrate professionalism, cooperation and commitment to established construction standards.
He further assured Nigerians that the Ministry would sustain close monitoring and supervision of the project while ensuring that administrative and financial procedures were efficiently managed to prevent avoidable delays and secure its timely completion.
Adeola Kunle
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