Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the federal government to prioritise the completion of the National Library of Nigeria’s headquarters.

Mr Obasanjo made this call at the 60th anniversary celebration and ‘Lit for Life Africa Festival’ of the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.

He stated that completing the headquarters was essential for the country’s development.

He said that the vision for a purpose-built, state-of-the-art national library was not merely symbolic but represented a concrete commitment to national progress.

He added, “I, therefore, call on all stakeholders, from government to the private sector and international partners, to prioritise the completion of this vital infrastructure. A fully operational headquarters will serve as a beacon for literacy and learning, a hub for cultural preservation, and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation.”

The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, affirmed that the government recognised the role libraries play in transforming the country.

She pledged that the government would continue to prioritise education as the cornerstone of national development.

She said, “The National Library has a vital role in expanding access to quality education. It must take its rightful place in this digital age, serving as a modern hub for learning, research, and innovation, accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of location or circumstance.’’

The minister further pledged the government’s commitment to supporting the National Library in its mission to empower Nigerians with knowledge and resources for lifelong learning.

She also promised continued investment in the infrastructure, technology, and partnerships needed to make the National Library a world-class institution.

Earlier, National Librarian, Chinwe Anunobi, stated the progress the National Library made in its six decades of existence, in spite of facing challenges.

She stated, “Currently, the NLN has preserved over 5 million titles and more than 13 million volumes stored in various locations across the country, including 2.5 million titles and 7.5 million volumes of Nigerian-origin resources. As a bibliographic centre, we have issued a total of 1,000,574 International Standard Book Numbers and 27,755 International Serial Numbers to publishers.”

She noted that the National Library supported many Nigerians and non-Nigerians in scholarship, education, research, and lifelong learning through its 34 branches and headquarters.

Ms Anunobi added that the library has had over 7 million unique users, 32 million visits, and engaged over 1 million Nigerians through its literacy and readership promotion centres.

A highlight of the 60th anniversary was the unveiling of the National Library’s Vision 2025-2030 strategy. 

(NAN)