National library to feature special centres for children, PWD

Favour Ishember, Abuja

The Federal Government has revealed that the renewed National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja will be designed as an inclusive knowledge centre, with specialised facilities for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments to ensure equal access for all Nigerians.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site, saying the vision of the completed facility goes beyond a conventional library to become a modern cultural and educational landmark.

Alausa said the project, revived through the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would provide an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of age or physical ability, can access knowledge and educational resources.

“The National Library is not just a building; it is a symbol of our commitment to learning, inclusion and the preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual heritage,” the Minister said.

He explained that the proposed facility would include dedicated spaces for children as well as persons with visual and hearing challenges, ensuring that the library serves the needs of every segment of society.

Alausa commended President Tinubu and the First Lady for their determination to complete the long-delayed project, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would ensure contractors receive timely payments to prevent any further disruption.

The Minister, who visited the project site in Abuja on Wednesday, November 5, 2026, ahead of the official return-to-site ceremony by the First Lady scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, said contractors had fully returned and commenced construction activities.

He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the approved 24-month timeline, stressing that the Federal Ministry of Education would ensure continuous work until the facility is delivered.

“Our 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,” Alausa stated.

The Minister also assured contractors that efficient payment procedures had been established, urging them to immediately report any administrative challenges that could slow down progress.

“We have put processes in place on how contractors will request additional payments. If there are delays in processing, I need to know because this project is a commitment to the Nigerian people,” he said.

Alausa attributed the renewed progress on the project to President Tinubu’s directive for the release of funds and the mobilisation of contractors back to site.

He described the President’s intervention as a demonstration of leadership and a recognition of education as a key driver of national development.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows what this country needs. Education is the foundation of any society that wants to develop, and that is why this administration has continued to provide the support required for the sector,” he said.

The Minister also praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her advocacy and personal commitment towards ensuring the completion of the National Library project.

He noted that the First Lady’s vision had helped move the project beyond the idea of a simple archive into a modern facility that would promote learning, culture and inclusion.

Alausa recalled that the National Library project began in 2006 with a two-year completion target and was substantially completed in 2008 before construction activities stopped in 2014, leaving the project abandoned for almost 12 years.

He described the prolonged delay as unfortunate, considering the importance of the National Library as a centre for preserving Nigeria’s history, culture, research materials and educational resources.

The Minister, however, expressed satisfaction with the current progress and commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the site, protecting existing structures and preventing deterioration during the period of inactivity.

He said RCC’s efforts helped ensure that construction could resume without major challenges after years of suspension.

Alausa acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Olatunji David; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria; the Ministry’s management team; consultants and other stakeholders for their roles in preparing the project for resumption.

He also commended furnishing and equipment contractors for their commitment to delivering a world-class facility, adding that the government was adopting global best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to improve the project’s quality and functionality.

The Minister said the completed National Library would serve as a major cultural and educational centre capable of hosting international conferences, attracting tourists and providing access to Nigeria’s historical archives.

He urged the management of the National Library of Nigeria to ensure the facility remains a vibrant centre of knowledge by organising programmes that encourage research, learning and public engagement.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company, Engr. Nader Yusuf, thanked the Minister for inspecting the project site and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the facility within the stipulated 18-month construction period.

Yusuf assured that RCC would comply with all government directives, adding that the company maintained security, protected the site and prevented encroachment throughout the period the project was inactive.

He expressed confidence that the project would be successfully completed in line with the expectations of the Federal Government.

Alausa reiterated the government’s resolve to complete the National Library within the agreed timeframe, urging contractors, consultants and stakeholders to work together and maintain the required standards.

He assured Nigerians that the Ministry would continue to supervise the project closely and ensure that financial and administrative processes are handled effectively for timely completion.

For a better society

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