Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has assured that the first phase of the National Library complex project in Abuja, will be ready by June 2025.
He gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen during a site inspection of the project on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Dt, Alausa outlined that the first phase of the complex will encompass two basement levels, the ground floor, and the first and second floors, along with external works such as perimeter fencing.
The minister acknowledged that delays in the project were due to variations in the bill of quantities and conflicting details in the contractor’s initial quotation, which was around N90 billion.
Despite the challenges, he emphasized the project’s importance, noting that while completing the library is a priority, other pressing projects also need funding.
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He indicated that any current re-evaluations could raise cost to hundreds of billions of naira, but reassured that sufficient funds were available to begin work on phase one.
Dr. Alausa praised President Bola Tinubu for his support in pushing the project forward, and expressed concern over the length of time taken compared to other national monuments like the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre, which were completed decades ago.
He highlighted the library’s significance in fostering human capital development.
The National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, confirmed that measures were being taken to ensure the project meets its deadline, including issuing directives for the contractor to return to the site.
She reiterated the library’s role as a vital repository of the nation’s heritage, housing various important documents and literature.