Remi Tinubu Raises N20 Billion for Abuja National Library Project

Remi Tinubu Raises N20 Billion for Abuja National Library Project

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has successfully raised over N20 billion for the completion of the National Library project in Abuja.

Earlier this month, she appealed to well-wishers to convert birthday gifts and greetings into donations to support the completion of the National Library.

Celebrating her 65th birthday on September 21, 2025, the First Lady, a former lawmaker, announced in a video message that she would dedicate the day to God and this cause, foregoing a lavish celebration.

The funds are being managed by the Federal Ministry of Education through the “Oluremi at 65 Education Fund.”

She expressed that seeing the National Library completed would be the best birthday gift she could receive.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, the First Lady recalled her time as a member of the Senate Committee on Education, noting that the education ministry had been unable to complete the National Library project.

Reflecting on her personal experience, she shared how libraries played a significant role in shaping her during her youth and expressed disappointment that the National Library, initiated during the Shehu Shagari administration, remains unfinished to this day.

Addressing critics of her initiative, she encouraged Nigerians to adopt the mindset of former American President John F. Kennedy, who urged citizens to consider what they could do for their country, rather than what the country could do for them.

To date, over N20 billion has been donated by Nigerians, with more contributions still coming in.

The National Library project was abandoned primarily due to funding challenges and inconsistent project management.

Construction began in 2006 and was initially expected to be completed by 2008 but was stalled in 2012. The project’s original budget became outdated due to inflation, and revising costs led to delays in continuation.

Variations in the bill of quantities and conflicting contractor quotations further complicated progress. Efforts to resume work have been hindered by financial constraints and the need to re-evaluate and phase the project’s completion.

Despite being one of three major national monuments planned for Abuja alongside the National Mosque and National Ecumenical Centre, the National Library remains unfinished because of these setbacks. Recent efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration aim to restart construction with allocated funds and a phased approach starting in mid-2025.

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