The Federal Government has assured contractors handling the National Library of Nigeria project of prompt payment to ensure uninterrupted construction and prevent further delays in the completion of the national edifice.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the project site in Abuja on Wednesday, ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, scheduled for November 19, 2026.
Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser ( Media and Communications) disclosed this in a Statement on Thursday, 5th October, 2026.
Alausa said contractors had fully mobilised to site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education had put necessary payment processes in place, stressing that any administrative bottlenecks or delays in processing contractors’ payments should be brought to his attention.
“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.
The Minister attributed the renewed momentum on the project to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention, noting that the President had directed the mobilisation of funds and the return of contractors to site.
He described the completion of the National Library as a priority of the administration, adding that education remained central to national development.
Alausa also commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and commitment to the project, particularly her efforts towards securing additional funding and advancing the vision of a modern National Library.
According to him, the proposed facility will accommodate specialised spaces for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments to ensure accessibility for all Nigerians.
The Minister recalled that the National Library project commenced in 2006 with an initial two-year completion timeline and was substantially completed in 2008 before construction was abandoned in 2014.
He expressed concern that the project remained dormant for nearly 12 years, describing the prolonged abandonment as a setback to Nigeria’s educational, cultural and archival development.
However, he commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the site, preserving existing infrastructure and ensuring adequate security throughout the period of inactivity.
He also 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 towards facilitating the project’s resumption.
Alausa said the Federal Government had continued to explore international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to enhance the quality and functionality of the facility.
He explained that upon completion, the National Library would serve as a major cultural and educational centre, hosting international conferences, attracting tourists and providing access to Nigeria’s historical archives and cultural heritage.
The Minister urged the management of the National Library to ensure that the facility becomes a vibrant centre of learning and knowledge that promotes public engagement and preserves the country’s cultural identity.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company, Engr. Nader Yusuf, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project, assuring that it would comply with government directives and established construction standards.
Yusuf said RCC had maintained the site, provided adequate security and prevented encroachment throughout the period the project was abandoned.
He expressed confidence that the company would successfully deliver the project in line with the Federal Government’s expectations.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to close supervision of the project, urging contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure its timely completion.
