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

Naija News • 3h ago
Reps Query National Library Over Alleged Abandonment Of ₦365m Project In Taraba
**National Library's ₦365m Project in Taraba: A Question of Accountability** In a move that has sparked concern among Nigerians, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has taken a hard look at the National Library of Nigeria's (NLN) alleged abandonment of a ₦365 million project in Jalingo, Taraba State. The project, which aimed to build a prototype national library building, has been mired in controversy, with civic organisation BudgIT Foundation accusing the NLN of abandoning the project after paying out about ₦292 million to the contractor. At the centre of the controversy is the Chief Executive Officer of the NLN, Chinwe Veronica, who appeared before the committee to respond to the allegations. According to Veronica, the contract for the construction of the national library state branch in Jalingo was initially awarded to Samsung and Asosu Nigeria Limited in 2018, with a completion timeline of March 2019. However, the contract sum was later reviewed upward to ₦365 million in 2023, following a variation approved through the Federal Ministry of Education. Despite the substantial payment made, the contractor has not been seen on site since October 2023, raising questions about the status of the project. The committee expressed concern over the missing documentation, including the variation request and approval records, which were not provided to the committee. Veronica assured the lawmakers that the relevant documents would be submitted, but her response was met with skepticism by the committee chairman, who argued that the absence of the contractor on site suggested that the project had effectively been abandoned. The committee's decision to constitute a three-member investigative team to conduct a physical inspection of the project site in Jalingo is a welcome development. It is imperative that the project is thoroughly investigated to determine the extent of the alleged abandonment and to ensure that the Nigerian people get value for their money. The NLN must be held accountable for its actions, and the committee's actions are a step in the right direction. As Nigerians, we must continue to demand transparency and accountability from our public institutions, and the NLN is no exception. The implications of this project's alleged abandonment are far-reaching. If the NLN has indeed abandoned the project, it raises questions about the agency's priorities and its commitment to serving the Nigerian people. It also highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the management of public funds. As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from this experience and take steps
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.