N1.8bn for National Library projects

THE Federal Government has approved the sum of 1.8 billion for the National Library of Nigeria, for its expansion project and implementation of some other capital projects in the 2017 budget.

National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of NLN, Professor Lenrie Aina, made this known during the opening of tender bids for the implementation of the projects in Abuja.

Aina, who maintained his zero-tolerance against corruption, warned the contractors bidding for the projects and procurement staff of the National Library against bribery and corruption.

He vowed that any staff member involved in collection of bribe from the contractors or found to have breached the procurement process, would be handed over to the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

He said: “I will ensure that there is fairness. Any of my staff members that wants to interfere with the process will be dealt with accordingly. I came here with my integrity intact. I want to assure you that there is transparency in the entire process.
He disclosed that the projects to be executed included completion of the National Library branches in Gombe and Katsina, building of new branches in Jalingo, Taraba and Oyo states.

He said: “We advertised for several projects. We want to have branches in every state of Nigeria. We currently have branches in 25 states now. When we establish a branch in any state, we call it a temporary branch, the state will supply the building to us, we occupy it with the hope of building a permanent branch.

“We have almost completed the branches in Gombe and Katsina, remaining the fencing of the two buildings and are starting a new building in Jalingo, Taraba and Oyo states.”