N20bn Raised For National Library Project Now – First Lady.

Remi Tinubu.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has revealed that more than ₦20 billion has so far been raised towards the completion of the National Library of Nigeria.

The First Lady also disclosed that the project, which was initially budgeted at N8 billion for its completion when initiated in 1981, will now require more than N100 billion to be delivered.

Speaking during a luncheon with State House correspondents on Tuesday as part of activities to mark her 65th birthday, Mrs Tinubu described the library project as her chosen legacy gift to the nation.

She explained that instead of receiving the usual cakes, gifts, or birthday advertisements, she appealed to Nigerians to channel their goodwill into funding the completion of the National Library through the Oluremi @65 Education Fund.

The First Lady dismissed insinuations that her intervention was politically motivated, insisting that her decision was driven purely by a desire to serve the country.

“I want to clear the air about some people saying it has a political undertone. What is wrong with doing well?” she asked.

Mrs Tinubu recalled her 12 years of service in the Senate, during which she was a member of the Committee on Education, noting that her experience in the legislature and her humble upbringing shaped her appreciation of libraries.

“From a humble background, the library played a role in my life. That's why I thought this is a worthy cause,” she said.

She stressed that education remained central to national development and pledged to sustain her commitment to projects that would benefit generations to come.

So far, she disclosed, the initiative has attracted about ₦20 billion, which will go directly into ensuring that the National Library project—abandoned for decades—is finally completed.