The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has been battling an ongoing power crisis for more than two years, which has plunged its facilities into near-perpetual darkness.
Despite these challenges, the institution has spent over N368 million on power and fuel for generators from 2022 to 2024, The Guardian has learned.
Alarmingly, the library has requested an additional N60 million for power-related expenses in its 2025 budget, raising concerns about its financial management, budget allocation, and the sustainability of its energy solutions.
A review of the library’s appropriations for the past few years reveals a disturbing trend. In 2022, it allocated N18 million for electricity charges, followed by N16 million in 2023 and N25 million in 2024. The library has now proposed N35 million for electricity costs in its 2025 budget. Additionally, the library earmarked N260 million for ‘alternative power supply’ and N49 million for generator fuel costs between 2022 and 2024, reflecting a steady increase in spending.
The library’s headquarters, located on Wole Olanipekun Street in Abuja, remains a stark example of the crisis. During a visit by The Guardian, it was observed that the building remains in darkness for much of the day, forcing staff to rely on the torchlights of their mobile phones to work. Several anonymous employees shared their frustrations, citing the power issue as a persistent challenge that has hindered their productivity and morale. One staff member described it as a “nightmare,” adding, “It’s not only frustrating but also affects our productivity and morale.”
Another worker lamented, “The situation is even more dire for our computer section, where most of the systems are down due to lack of power. It’s heartbreaking to see a national institution like this struggling to provide basic services due to something as fundamental as electricity.”
The ongoing crisis has drawn criticism from experts. Fred Uloma, an education expert, expressed disappointment, stating, “One would expect a national institution like NLN to have a reliable source of power, especially given its importance as a hub for knowledge and learning. Instead, it seems to be procuring ‘darkness’ at a steep price.”
Adaramoye Lenin, National Mobilisation Officer for the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), criticized the wasteful spending and mismanagement plaguing public institutions in Nigeria. He argued that the lack of transparency in these institutions contributes to financial inefficiency. “These figures are surprising and reflect a pattern of wasteful spending,” he said, calling for more transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Lenin also emphasized the detrimental effects of power sector privatization on the country, particularly in the public education sector. He suggested that free and regular power supply should be provided to public institutions to alleviate the crisis.
Public affairs analyst Ifeanyi Nwoko noted that the situation mirrors common trends in government ministries, departments, and agencies, where power procurement is often a means of exploitation. He argued that, “It is difficult to quantify how many hours of power one doesn’t get and how many hours the generator was on. It is one of the corruption problems we are facing. But who do you blame?”
The National Library’s continued power crisis and mounting financial burden raise serious questions about the management of public resources and the institution’s ability to deliver essential services to the public.
