Party says national heritage can’t rely on goodwill or birthday pledges
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is urging the Federal Government to take full responsibility for completing the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria in Abuja, saying such a key national monument shouldn’t depend on private donations or personal gestures.
This comes after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu announced plans to support the project as part of her birthday celebration, a move the ADC welcomed—but also challenged.
“This is not a pet project”
While the party appreciated the First Lady’s intention, it stressed that the National Library—established in 1964 by an Act of Parliament—is far more than just another public building.
“The National Library is a living repository of our collective memory and intellectual heritage,” the ADC said in a statement.
“It cannot, and must not, be reduced to a personal pet project.”
Call for budgetary funding, not goodwill
According to the ADC, responsibility for completing the project lies squarely with the Federal Ministry of Education and must be supported through direct national budget allocations.
The party also criticized the lack of funding in both the 2024 and 2025 federal budgets, noting that responsibility had apparently shifted to TETFUND, which lacks the mandate for long-term national library upkeep.
“A nation’s knowledge infrastructure should not depend on personal benevolence,” the statement added.
“It’s time for presidential action, not charity.”
ADC to the First Lady: Use your influence wisely
The party called on Mrs. Tinubu to use her platform not just for symbolic support, but to lobby President Tinubu to prioritize the project in upcoming budgets.
“We thank the First Lady for her concern,” the ADC said, “but what’s needed now is serious policy attention—not donations.”
