PHOTOS: Tunji Alausa inspects national library complex project in Abuja, warns contractors against delay

The federal government has assured contractors handling the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja of prompt payments to prevent further delays in the completion of the long-abandoned facility.

Tunji Alausa, minister of education, gave the assurance during a visit to the project site on Wednesday, ahead of the formal flag-off of the return to site by Oluremi Tinubu, first lady of Nigeria, scheduled for November 19.

Alausa said contractors had mobilised to the site and commenced construction, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.

He said the federal ministry of education would ensure that construction proceeded without interruption, adding that the government would not allow the project 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.

The minister said the ministry had established procedures for processing contractors’ requests for additional payments and urged them to report any administrative bottlenecks that could affect the project.

“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 said.

Alausa attributed the renewed momentum on the project to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to mobilise funding and ensure the return of contractors to the site.

He said the president recognised education as a foundation for national development and had given the ministry the necessary support to advance the sector.

The minister also commended the first lady for her advocacy and contribution to securing additional funding for the project.

According to him, her vision is to make the national library an inclusive cultural and educational centre, with dedicated facilities for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments.

The project, which commenced in 2006 with an initial two-year completion target, has suffered prolonged delays. Construction was halted before the facility was completed, leaving the project dormant for years.

Alausa expressed satisfaction with preparations for the resumption of work and commended Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the contractor handling the project, for maintaining the site and protecting the existing infrastructure during the period of inactivity.

He said the company’s efforts had helped preserve the facility and made it possible to resume construction without significant setbacks.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of Olatunji David, acting permanent secretary in the ministry; the chief executive officer of the National Library of Nigeria; ministry officials; consultants and other stakeholders involved in preparing for the return to site.

He said the government was also drawing on international best practices, including lessons from the Qatar National Library, to improve the quality and functionality of the Nigerian facility.

Alausa said the completed library would serve as a national cultural and educational centre, providing access to historical archives and cultural heritage while hosting international conferences and attracting tourists.

He urged the National Library management to ensure that the facility became an active centre of learning and knowledge rather than merely a repository of books and documents.

Speaking during the visit, Nader Yusuf, managing director of RCC, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project within the agreed timeline.

Yusuf said the company had maintained security at the site and prevented encroachment during the period of inactivity. He assured the minister that RCC would comply with the government’s directives and deliver the project in line with its expectations.

Alausa said the ministry would maintain close supervision of the construction and ensure that contractors, consultants and other stakeholders adhered to agreed standards and timelines.

See photos below.