Reps probe N365m National Library project abandonment in Jalingo

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched a probe into the alleged abandonment of a N365 million National Library state branch project in Jalingo, Taraba State. The investigation follows a petition by the BudgIT Foundation, a civic organisation, which accused the agency of halting construction after paying about N292 million to the contractor.

The committee, chaired by Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), summoned the officials of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Professor Veronica Anunobi. During the session, Professor Anunobi explained that the contract for the Jalingo branch was initially awarded on March 1, 2018, to Samsung and Asosu Nigeria Limited at N238 million, with an expected completion date of March 2019. The contract sum was later revised to N365 million in March 2023, following an approved variation by the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the NLN, a total of N292.267 million has been paid to the contractor, leaving an outstanding balance of about N7.3 million, while the project is said to be approximately 85 per cent complete. However, committee members expressed serious concerns about the project's status, noting that the contractor had not been present on-site since October 2023, despite substantial payments being made.

The lawmakers also questioned the processing of the eighth payment certificate, valued at N65.2 million, alongside an earlier unpaid certificate, citing limited documentation to justify the disbursements. The committee pointed out that the agency submitted only the original letter of award, with other critical procurement documents, including the variation request and approval records, missing from its submission.

In response to the concerns, the committee directed the National Library of Nigeria to submit all pending procurement and payment documents. It also constituted a three-member investigative team to conduct a physical inspection of the site. Following the inspection, both the contractor and the agency are expected to reappear before the committee for a final determination on the project's status and possible next steps.

The Jalingo case is far from isolated, as Nigeria's National Library in Abuja has remained incomplete since the contract for its construction was first awarded in 2006. Conceived as an 11-floor architectural landmark, the project was initially assigned to Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) at ₦8.590 billion, with a 22-month completion deadline. Over nineteen years on, after five administrations, the library is still a work-in-progress and its original vision repeatedly compromised by successive acts of poor governance.

The investigation into the Jalingo National Library project is a clear indication of the need for greater accountability in the management of public funds. The committee's actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. As the probe continues, Nigerians will be watching with interest to see the outcome and the implications for the National Library of Nigeria and the country's overall development.

In the coming weeks, the committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives. The report is likely to have significant implications for the management of the National Library of Nigeria and the broader public sector. With the country's economy facing significant challenges, the need for effective management of public resources has never been more pressing. As the investigation continues, Nigerians can expect to see a renewed focus on accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.