New National Library Ready 2014

The Director, Virtual Library Science, National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Mr Chuks Ifewekwu says the Federal Government will ensure the completion of the new library complex by 2014.

Ifewekwu was speaking with newsmen in Abuja.

He said that President Goodluck Jonathan had made the pledge when the committee set up by the NLN briefed him on the progress of work at the new Library complex.                           Ifewekwu said that the president had assured the NLN that he would ensure that the new complex was completed in due time.

“He did promise us that by 2014, he will source for funds from other areas to ensure that the project is completed.’’

He said that lack of fund had made it impossible for the project to be completed at the scheduled date of April, 2012.

“The problem we have been having is the issue of money, at the beginning, it was to cost N8 billion. “So, after sometime when the whole thing lapsed, we discovered that we couldn’t go half way, now there was a variation which now puts the amount for completion at about N17 billion plus.

“And even at that variation, it was supposed to be finished by April this year but because we have not actually received funds from the Federal Government, it has been very difficult.’’ Ifewekwu said that if the National Library should continue to wait for the normal budget, the complex would not be completed in the next 20 years and the cost of completion would continue to increase. He said that in December, 2011, a committee was put in place to ascertain the cost of furnishing the new complex to meet international standards. Ifewekwu said that the President was also surprised to know that the National Library was the only one in the country, and assured members of the committee that state branches would also be developed.