Complete national library building, Obasanjo urges FG, private sector

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the federal government, private sectors and development partners to prioritise the completion of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) headquarters in Abuja. 

He said a fully operational headquarters will serve as a beacon for literacy, a learning hub for cultural preservation, and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation.

Obasanjo stated this in a goodwill message sent to commemorate the National Library’s 60th anniversary on Wednesday in Abuja tagged, “The Future of Libraries in a Digital Age: Preserving Heritage, Expanding Access and Engaging Youth”.

Daily Trust reports that the building of the National Library headquarters started in 2006 during the Obasanjo administration and ought to have been completed by 2020 as suggested.

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While commending the National Library for its commitment to embracing digital transformation and innovation as reflected in the 2025 to 2030 strategic plan,  he said: “For six decades, this esteemed institution has stood as a cornerstone of our nation’s intellectual and cultural development, preserving our heritage and empowering Nigerians through access to knowledge making significant strides in fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural preservation.”

The National Librarian/CEO, Prof Chinwe Anunobi, said the National Library has had personal engagements with over 1 million Nigerians in its effort to ensure that Nigerians across every age, gender, occupation, and class understand and embrace the culture of reading towards sustainable development.

The national librarian said they did that through their readership promotion and literacy centres’ establishment in hospitals, correctional centres, skills acquisition centres, motor parks, schools, and from year hard-to-reach communities.

The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, said the federal government remains committed to supporting the National Library in its mission to empower Nigerians with knowledge and resources for lifelong learning.