Education Minister Maruf Olatunji Alausa has ordered contractors and consultants working on the National Library of Nigeria project to meet new deadlines, warning that delays and poor workmanship will attract sanctions.
Alausa gave the order in Abuja during a meeting with stakeholders involved in the project.
He said the federal government was ready to provide funding but would demand “accountability, quality and value for money.”
The minister said the project would now be divided into two major parts — physical infrastructure and furnishing — so both can move forward at the same time.
He added that new contracts would include incentives and penalties to ensure contractors meet agreed deadlines.
Alausa recalled that the National Library project was conceived in 1981, while construction began in 2006 with an initial completion period of 24 months.
He described the library as a critical national institution for education, research, knowledge development and human-capital growth.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing political support and funding to revive the long-delayed project.
Alausa also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for helping mobilise about 25 billion naira in 2025 toward completing the project and for drawing inspiration from the Qatar National Library.
The minister said the government wanted more than an abandoned structure completed.
He said it aimed to deliver a “modern, inclusive and globally competitive National Library” with dedicated spaces and services for children, people with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.
Alausa said the ministry would maintain close supervision to ensure the project is completed to the required standards.
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