The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has provided assurance to Nigerians that the National Library will be completed within a span of 21 months, serving as the nation’s premier depository.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a tour with several heads of agencies in the sector to assess the level of progress on the project, Mr. Mamman expressed confidence that the contractor responsible for the project will promptly return to the site and deliver this significant national edifice for the benefit of the citizens.
“This project is of utmost importance to Nigerians, and we cannot afford to leave it unfinished after almost two decades. The significance of a library, let alone a national library, cannot be overstated,” said Prof. Mamman.
“We have a President who is determined to ensure the completion of all projects and drive progress and development. The National Library is a major landmark not only within our country but also on the global stage,” he added.
When asked about the total cost required to complete the project, the minister declined to comment, mentioning ongoing discussions to resolve the financial aspect involving all parties concerned.
“While there have been challenges encountered along the way, we remain committed to completing this project within approximately 21 months,” assured Prof. Mamman.
“However, we are urging the construction company to expedite their work as we have delayed this project for far too long. Given its importance, we cannot afford any further delays. Whatever obstacles we face, we are determined to overcome them swiftly,” he continued.
In the meantime, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, the National Librarian, pointed out that bureaucratic hurdles have greatly hindered the completion of the project since its awarding in 2006.
Assuring that work will commence immediately, Prof. Anunobi emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and regular meetings with stakeholders involved in the project.
The National Library project was initially awarded on March 11, 2006, with a contract sum of N8,590,226,393.00 at an exchange rate of N130.29. The original timeline for completion was set at 22 months.
In March 2010, the Ministry of Education re-awarded the project at a cost of N49,643,337,960.32, with a revised completion timeline of 21 months.
However, in 2010, the construction company in charge of the project, Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Ltd., projected the cost of completion to be N120,327,599,990.45.
By 2012, when the exchange rate was N163, an additional N150 million was required to conclude the project.
With the current exchange rate of 774 naira per dollar, the government would need to allocate over N100 billion to complete the project.
NAN
