Opposition leader Peter Obi has criticized the federal government after Nigeria’s First Lady asked citizens to donate money to finish the National Library. He said it was wrong for a nation that spends heavily on luxury items and officials’ comforts to turn to the public for such a project.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

“The appeal is noble, but also an indictment,” Obi wrote on Saturday in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “A nation that finds billions for jets and mansions should not beg citizens to build its own library. We are finished.”

His sharp comments came after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu used her birthday celebration to call for donations toward completing the National Library, a project that has been under construction for more than 15 years. The library, located in Abuja, was launched in 2006 but has faced repeated funding delays.

Long-delayed project

The National Library was meant to serve as the main archive of Nigeria’s knowledge, culture, and history. It was also planned as a hub for students, researchers, and policy makers. Construction began nearly two decades ago, but the project has stalled multiple times due to budget shortfalls and changes in government priorities.

Successive administrations have promised to complete the library, but the building still stands unfinished in the capital. Reports by the National Assembly have warned that the delay risks wasting billions already invested.

The First Lady’s request for donations was presented as a way to rally Nigerians to finally see the project completed. She urged well-meaning citizens, philanthropists, and private companies to support the effort.

Obi’s criticism

Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, has positioned himself as a critic of government waste and poor governance. His reaction highlighted frustration among many Nigerians about how public money is used.

Analysts note that Nigeria has one of the highest costs of governance in the world, with billions of naira spent each year on maintaining political offices, official residences, and a large fleet of government aircraft. At the same time, infrastructure projects such as hospitals, schools, and libraries often suffer from underfunding.

Obi’s statement quickly went viral online, with many Nigerians expressing anger that a vital national institution had to rely on private donations. Some said the appeal showed how misplaced government priorities had become.

Public reaction

Reactions on social media reflected both support for the First Lady’s call and outrage at the state of the project. Supporters argued that citizens should come together to support education and national heritage. Critics, however, said it was the government’s responsibility to fund such a project, not the public’s.

“This is the role of the state, not birthday guests,” one commentator wrote online. Others asked why billions of naira could be found for official luxuries but not for a library to serve future generations.

What’s next

The controversy has reignited debate about Nigeria’s budget choices and accountability. Lawmakers are expected to raise the matter when the National Assembly reconvenes next week. Civil society groups have also called for a clear timeline and full disclosure of how much is still needed to finish the project.

Education advocates say the National Library, once completed, could help Nigeria improve literacy and research capacity, both of which remain low compared to other African countries. They argue that finishing the library should be seen as a national duty, not a favor from citizens.

For now, the First Lady’s campaign for donations continues, but Obi’s criticism has ensured that the issue will remain in the spotlight.