The Federal Government has warned contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project against further delays and substandard work.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, issued the warning in Abuja during a meeting with contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria.

Alausa said the government was ready to provide the funding required to complete the long-delayed project but would demand accountability, quality and strict adherence to agreed timelines.

The Minister said the Federal Government would introduce clear delivery targets, backed by incentives and sanctions, to ensure that the project does not suffer further delays.

He stressed that contractors who fail to meet agreed milestones would face penalties.

To accelerate completion, Alausa said the project had been divided into two major components — physical infrastructure and furnishing — which would be pursued simultaneously.

The Minister said the National Library was not merely another government building but a critical national institution for learning, research, knowledge development and human capital development.

He recalled that the project was conceived in 1981, while construction began in 2006 with an initial 24-month completion period.

Despite the original completion target of 2008, the project has remained unfinished for years.

Alausa said the renewed push to complete the facility reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education and human capital development.

He commended the President for providing the political will and support required to move the project forward.

The Minister also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her intervention in mobilising additional support for the project.

According to him, the First Lady used her 2025 birthday to raise about 25 billion naira within two months towards the completion of the National Library.

Alausa said her visit to the National Library of Qatar also influenced the Federal Government’s vision for the Nigerian facility.

He disclosed that Nigerian officials and project stakeholders had visited the Qatar library to study its facilities, technology and furnishing standards.

The Minister said the objective was not simply to complete an abandoned structure but to deliver a modern, inclusive and world-class National Library.

He said the facility would include dedicated spaces and appropriate provisions for children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.

Alausa further assured that the Ministry of Education would maintain close oversight of the project to ensure value for money and adherence to quality standards.

He said every naira invested in the National Library project must translate into a facility that Nigerians can use and be proud of.

The Minister expressed optimism that, with the renewed commitment of the Federal Government and support from stakeholders, the long-awaited National Library would finally be delivered to Nigerians.