THE ABANDONED NATIONAL LIBRARY
Seventeen years ago, Nigeria embarked on a very ambitious project, to build the largest library in Africa. Located between the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical centre, the National library was to be a grand edifice in the heart of Abuja where scholars, researchers and the general public would visit to consult and refresh their faculties for nation-building and development.
Contract for this multi-billionaire edifice was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Education in 2006 to Reynolds Construction company (RCC) to the tune of N8.590. On April 6, 2006, the engines revved, and men and materials moved to site. A signpost right at the front of the imposing edifice indicates that some of the finest architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and development consultants like Oduleye International Associates, BQC Consultants Limited Ltd, TechJob Associates, Mekon Associates, Etteh Aro & Partners, McAdog Associates and Odeleye Associates were to be part of the project. Thereafter, the problems started with revision of the costs for the completion of the project from N8.590bn to N17billion, to N38billion, and now to nearly 100billion.
But while the National Mosque and the Ecumenical Centre have been completed and have been up and running several years ago, the National Library of Nigeria is abandoned. When we visited the complex in Abuja recently, we found it completely overrun by weeds. Various construction materials like a giant crane remains in limbo, suspended in time and space. Rain water has eaten deep into the sensitive parts of the building and it is only a matter of time before the building goes down. See link:
Word around indicates that during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, he put in a strong argument in favour of the completion of the National Library Complex. Sources at the Federal Ministry of Education told us that it was the Education Minister who appeared slow with revving interest with the construction of the Library.
Our investigations reveal that the issues with the funding of the project range from exchange rate fluctuations, and other variables. Consequently, the project was stopped in 2013. Our sources told us that in 2019, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said the federal government was “pursuing alternative sources of funding, especially from special intervention funding window to complete the abandoned project”.
There has been some talk that Buhari Administration approved the take-over and financing of the multi-billion library edifice by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). Yet, as at October 26th 2023, the National Library building lies fallow, abandoned and is an eyesore on the Abuja skyline.
Libraries play a crucial role in national development. They are essential in promoting literacy, fostering a love for reading, and serving as inclusive spaces where individuals can gather, explore, and enrich their lives . With their mission to empower and educate communities, public libraries are vital pillars of lifelong learning and social development.
Libraries provide a network of delivery sites for government programs and services, advance digital inclusion through access to ICT, and dedicated staff to help people develop new digital skills .
Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, editor in chief, WADONOR cultural Voice of Nigeria
