Now, in a renewed push, the Federal Government is set to resume work on the long-abandoned project in June. The approach will be phased to ensure steady progress.

Originally conceived in 1981, construction began in 2006 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project had an initial budget of N8.9 billion with a 22-month completion timeline. However, work stalled in 2012, leaving the massive structure on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory in a state of neglect.

During a recent inspection of the site, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is committed to completing the project. He was accompanied by National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Education, and project consultants. Although he did not provide a specific completion date, he confirmed that the initial focus would be on Basement Levels One and Two, the ground floor, first and second floors, and external works.

Alausa acknowledged that the cost of completion has risen significantly. Recent estimates suggest that it could require hundreds of billions of Naira. A few years ago, the contractor had quoted around N90 billion. However, the government is now implementing an innovative funding strategy to ensure progress.

To support this, President Tinubu has directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to release funds for the first phase of construction. While awaiting a final cost estimate from consultants, Alausa assured that there are sufficient funds to complete this phase. The government aims to ensure that the National Library fulfills its role as a vital educational and research hub.

The project was initially awarded to Reynolds Construction Company and was meant to be a symbol of Nigeria’s intellectual and academic heritage. However, years of neglect have turned it into a glaring example of failed infrastructure projects. Many Nigerians still question whether it will ever be completed.

Alausa’s announcement has rekindled hope, but skepticism remains high due to past unfulfilled promises. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this long-delayed initiative will finally be completed or become yet another unfinished government venture.

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1. The federal government has knocked Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for failing to complete at least 1km out of the 15km East-West Road section from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction in Rivers State. The criticism is coming on the heels of over N40 billion in mobilization funds which was paid to the company by the federal government.

2. Imo community of Umuohiadagu in Nekede Owerri West Council Area of Imo state, on Thursday protested at the government house in Owerri, calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma, to intervene in the alleged land grabbing in the name of building a shopping mall for former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

3. No fewer than 37 deaths have been recorded in the current Cholera outbreak, which has hit 30 states, including Lagos and Ogun. In a statement on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs in the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, he said the state had recorded an additional six cholera deaths as against the previous 15.

4. Hundreds of residents from the Okun Ajah community in Lagos State took to the streets Thursday to protest against a proposed diversion of the coastal road alignment. The protest came in response to perceived favoritism by the Minister of Work, David Umahi, who residents claim is pushing the diversion to benefit a particular ethnic group. They called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to institute a probe into the planned diversion of the road in Okun Ajah, where a portion had since 2006 been earmarked for the project.

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5. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered his officers deployed to Rivers State to continue mounting barricades on the entrance to the local government secretariats in the state. The IGP explained that his officers would not vacate those aforementioned places until the court finishes its ruling on certain issues that had been causing rancor among political gladiators in the state.

6. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly criticised both federal and state governments for what it perceives as the politicisation of education, particularly through the proliferation of public universities while neglecting the funding needs of existing ones. The union highlighted how governments, especially at the state level, have treated university education as constituency projects, akin to initiatives politicians bring back to their constituencies.

7. A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. The court presided by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman nullified all the actions taken after the reinstatement.

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8. The Kano State government has instructed the Commissioner of Police to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the mini Palace Nasarawa area of the state metropolis where he has been residing. The state government through the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, stated that the property belongs to the government and will be renovated, including demolition of a part of the structure’s wall.

9. The Nigerian Army on Thursday took delivery of two new Bell UH1 Helicopters to herald the commencement of its aviation unit and boost the operational capabilities of the army in its counter-insurgency operations. The new helicopters according to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja would be a game-changer for the army in its operational activities, adding that the platforms would be used for casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance.

10. Some residents of Nsukka, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, have lamented the high cost of eggs, making it beyond their reach.
The residents expressed their views in separate interviews with reporters on Thursday in Nsukka while reacting to the present market price of a crate of eggs that goes for N5,000.

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