WorldStage— The Minister of Education, Dr. Rauf Tunji Alausa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their commitment to the completion of the National Library of Nigeria project, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government will ensure prompt payment to contractors to prevent delays in the execution of the project.
Alausa gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the National Library project site in Abuja on Wednesday, November 5, 2026, 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 site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeline.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted construction, stressing that the project would not be allowed to suffer 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.
Dr Alausa also assured contractors of the Ministry’s readiness to establish efficient payment processes, warning that any delay in processing payments or other administrative bottlenecks must be promptly brought to his attention.
“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 attributed the renewed momentum on the project to the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed the mobilisation of funding and the return of contractors to site, emphasising that the completion of the National Library remains a priority of the present administration.
He described the President’s intervention as a demonstration of visionary leadership and recognition of the central role of education in national 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.
Alausa equally commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, noting that her intervention had contributed significantly to securing additional funding and advancing the vision of a modern National Library.
He disclosed that the First Lady’s vision for the project extends beyond the provision of a national repository of knowledge to the establishment of an inclusive cultural and educational landmark that would cater for children, persons with disabilities and other members of the public.
According to him, the proposed facility will incorporate specialised spaces for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments, ensuring that the library is accessible to all Nigerians.
The Minister recalled that the National Library project, which commenced in 2006 with an initial completion timeline of two years, was substantially completed in 2008 before construction activities were abandoned in 2014, leaving the project dormant for nearly 12 years.
He expressed concern that the prolonged abandonment of the national edifice reflected misplaced priorities, considering the significance of the National Library to Nigeria’s educational, cultural and archival development.
Alausa, however, expressed satisfaction with the progress made towards the resumption of construction, commending Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for maintaining the site and preserving the existing infrastructure throughout the period of inactivity.
He noted that the contractor’s commitment to securing the facility had made it possible to resume construction activities without significant setbacks.
The Minister 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 for their roles in coordinating the project’s preparatory processes and facilitating the return to site.
He further commended the furnishing and equipment contractors for their commitment to delivering a modern facility, noting that 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 project.
The minister stated that upon completion, the National Library would serve as a major national cultural and educational centre, hosting international conferences, attracting tourists and providing access to Nigeria’s historical archives and cultural heritage.
He charged the National Library management to ensure that the facility becomes a vibrant centre of learning and knowledge, with sustained activities that would encourage public engagement and promote the country’s educational and cultural identity.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), Engr. Nader Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his visit to the project site and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated 18-month timeline.
He assured the Minister that RCC would adhere to all directives, noting that the company had maintained the site, ensured adequate security and prevented encroachment throughout the period of inactivity.
Engr. Yusuf expressed confidence that the project would be completed successfully in line with the Federal Government’s expectations.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to complete the project within the agreed timeframe, urging all contractors, consultants and relevant stakeholders to work diligently, collaboratively and in accordance with established standards.
He assured Nigerians that the Ministry would maintain close supervision of the project and ensure that all necessary administrative and financial processes were handled efficiently to achieve timely completion.
