The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has said the first phase of the National Library will be completed by June.

Mr Alausa stated this on Wednesday during an on-the-spot monitoring and assessment of the national library project in Abuja.

He stated that the first phase of the project would include two basement levels, the ground floor, first and second floors, as well as all external works, including perimeter fencing.

Mr Alausa explained that variations in the bill of quantities contributed to the delay in completing the project.

“There have been numerous variations in this project. Even the contractor’s quotation from a few years ago, which was about N90 billion, contains several conflicting elements,” he stated.

Emphasising that completing the national library was a priority, he noted that other pressing projects also required funding.

“If we were to re-evaluate the cost today, it would run into hundreds of billions of naira. However, we have adopted an innovative approach to move the project forward, starting with the completion of phase one,” he said.

Mr Alausa assured that there were sufficient funds available for the project but stated that final costing was still pending, based on the bill of quantities to be prepared by the consultant.

“We are dividing the project into phases. For the first phase, we will commence work on-site on or before June 2025,” he added.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for his political support and commitment to ensuring the project was completed promptly.

Expressing concern over the prolonged delay, he highlighted how other national monuments had been completed long ago while the National Library remained unfinished.

“We have three national monuments in Abuja—the National Mosque, the National Ecumenical Centre, and the National Library.

“Ironically, almost 40 years after the National Mosque and the Ecumenical Centre were completed; we are still struggling to complete the National Library.

“This library is a crucial part of our human capital development, and now, with the highest political will, we are committed to pushing this project forward,” he stated.

The National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, assured that efforts were underway to meet the deadline set by the minister.

“A directive has been issued for the contractor to return to the site, and we are committed to ensuring that the deadline is met,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of the national library, describing it as a repository of the nation’s heritage, including documents, reports, monographs, books, research papers, and newspapers.

The national library was designed in 1981. Construction, however, began in 2006 and was initially expected to be completed by 2008. Work stalled at the site in 2012, leading to years of delay.

(NAN)