Reps Query National Library Over Alleged Abandonment Of ₦365m Project In Taraba

Nigeria’s House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has launched an investigation into the alleged abandonment of a ₦365 million National Library of Nigeria project in Jalingo, Taraba State, following a petition by BudgIT Foundation.

Despite ₦292 million already paid, construction has stalled, and the contractor has been absent since October 2023. The committee, chaired by Rep. Bamidele Salam, summoned the NLN CEO, Prof. Chinwe Veronica, who stated the project was about 85% complete, with ₦7.3 million outstanding.

Lawmakers raised concerns over the contractor’s long absence, missing payment documentation, and a ₦65.2 million certificate issued without proper evidence. Rep. Salam described the explanations as “biased and incomplete.”

The committee directed the NLN to submit all documents, appointed a three-member team to inspect the site, and ordered the contractor and officials to appear again for a final decision on the project. The probe underscores growing scrutiny over stalled public projects and fund mismanagement.