Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced that her recent 65th birthday fundraiser yielded ₦20.7 billion toward the completion of the long-abandoned 11-storey National Library headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing at the State House Banquet Hall, Mrs. Tinubu — joined by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, and spouses of service chiefs — explained that the account will remain open until December to allow more contributions.
She described the initiative as a national call-to-action, emphasising that the library is not just a project but a "national treasure" that will serve future generations. "I have played my part in this project, and I believe Nigerians can raise the funds needed to complete the library," she said.
The First Lady clarified that the funds will be managed by the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation, stressing that her role was simply to drive public attention and mobilise support.
Mrs. Tinubu dismissed claims of political motivation, noting that her advocacy is rooted in her background as a teacher and in her lifelong commitment to education. She recalled previous fundraising efforts, including ₦50 million for the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre at her 45th birthday and ₦200 million for the New Era Foundation and charities at her 50th birthday.
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The National Library project, first initiated in 1981, has suffered decades of delays and escalating costs, with construction stalled at just 44% completion by 2023. Estimates to finish the project now range between ₦49.6 billion and over ₦120 billion.
Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged broad support from political leaders, business moguls like Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, and Arthur Eze, as well as from governors, lawmakers, and civil society.
She urged private sector players, SMEs, and philanthropists to join in completing the project, highlighting the role of partnerships in national development. "A grain of sand and a drop of water makes a mighty ocean," she said, calling on all Nigerians to contribute.
For SMEs, analysts note that the completion of the National Library could create new business opportunities in publishing, printing, ICT services, and educational support, while also strengthening the broader knowledge economy.
