By By Elizabdeth Ugbo
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee on Thursday questioned the alleged abandonment of a ₦365 million National Library project in Jalingo, Taraba State. Lawmakers launched the probe after a petition by BudgIT Foundation. The committee chairman, Bamidele Salam, led the session in Abuja. National Library of Nigeria CEO, Chinwe Veronica, appeared before the committee. Lawmakers demanded explanations about payments, project status, and missing procurement documents.
Petition Triggers Lawmakers’ Investigation
BudgIT Foundation petitioned the House committee over the construction of a prototype National Library building in Jalingo. The civic group alleged that the agency abandoned the project after paying about ₦292 million to the contractor.
As a result, the committee invited officials of the National Library of Nigeria to explain the situation.
Contract Details and Payment Records
During the hearing, Chinwe Veronica explained the contract history. The National Library of Nigeria awarded the project on March 1, 2018.
Samsung and Asosu Nigeria Limited received the contract at a cost of ₦238 million. The project had a completion deadline of March 2019.
However, the Federal Ministry of Education later approved a variation in March 2023. This decision increased the contract sum to ₦365 million.
According to Veronica, the agency has paid ₦292.267 million to the contractor. She also stated that the project has reached about 85 percent completion.
She added that only ₦7.3 million remains as the outstanding balance.
Lawmakers Question Contractor’s Absence
Despite the payments, committee members expressed serious concerns. They noted that the contractor has not appeared on the project site since October 2023.
Bamidele Salam argued that the absence suggests the contractor may have abandoned the project.
He also criticized the agency’s explanation. According to him, the response appeared biased and failed to address the committee’s concerns.
Missing Procurement Documents Raise Concerns
Lawmakers also questioned the documentation submitted by the agency. They said the National Library of Nigeria provided only the original letter of award.
Key procurement documents were missing. These include the variation request and approval records.
Members also questioned the processing of the eighth payment certificate worth ₦65.2 million. They noted that officials processed it alongside an earlier unpaid certificate.
The committee said the available records do not justify the payments.
NLN Chief Promises Full Documentation
In response, Veronica admitted that some processes occurred before her tenure.
However, she assured lawmakers that the agency will submit all relevant documents.
She also told the committee that officials visited the site last year. During the visit, they reportedly saw security personnel stationed by the contractor.
Additionally, she said the agency maintained communication with the contractor through telephone calls.
Committee Orders Site Inspection
After deliberations, the committee issued several directives.
First, lawmakers ordered the National Library of Nigeria to submit all outstanding procurement and payment documents.
Second, the committee formed a three-member investigative team. The team will conduct a physical inspection of the project site in Jalingo.
Finally, lawmakers asked the contractor, Samsung and Asosu Nigeria Limited, and the National Library of Nigeria to appear again.
The committee will determine the true status of the project after the inspection.
