National Library of Nigeria Facing Serious Challenges, Says National Librarian

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Professor Veronica Chinwe Anunobi, has raised concerns about the country’s apex library and its documented heritage, warning that the institution is facing significant threats. Anunobi made this statement during her administration’s third annual press conference, highlighting the alarming state of the National Library and its vital role in preserving Nigeria’s intellectual history.

Professor Anunobi emphasized the critical importance of the National Library in safeguarding Nigeria’s documented heritage, noting that the library is currently under immense pressure due to various challenges, including a lack of space, insufficient staffing, and inadequate budgetary allocations. “The condition of the national library reflects the state of education in any country,” Anunobi stated, adding that the institution is “endangered.”

The National Repository, which houses newspapers, journals, books, and other key publications that serve as Nigeria’s documented heritage, is facing numerous issues. Anunobi highlighted the absence of a permanent headquarters and the deteriorating state of materials stored in the repository. Furthermore, she noted that the institution is struggling with a shortage of staff and a lack of financial resources to support the digitalization of its services, which is crucial in the modern era.

“The National Library plays a pivotal role in preserving a nation’s intellectual legacy and fostering an informed public,” Anunobi remarked. However, she stressed that the library lacks the necessary space to store legal deposits, and the repository’s existing materials have either become brittle with age or have suffered damage due to constant use.

She cited the example of old newspapers published after Nigeria’s independence, which are still frequently used in legal proceedings. “Just last month, the courts made 40,000 requests for certifications, compelling Nigerians to search through old materials in the repository. As a result, these documents are either worn out from frequent handling or have become fragile over time,” Anunobi explained.

Between January and September 2024, the National Library received 20,000 legal deposits from local publishers, adding to the mounting pressure on the repository. The library’s permanent building in the Central Area of Abuja remains incomplete, with little hope of securing a new facility. Due to the space constraints, the library has had to relocate its legal deposits to state branches across the country.

“When you walk through the repository, you see books by Nigerian intellectuals stacked in corridors. We have no choice but to move them to our state branches for storage,” Anunobi lamented. She also pointed out the staff shortage, with only 20 NLN staff members available to process the 20,000 legal deposits submitted this year. “We do not have enough hands to manage these materials. Where do we store them?”

Anunobi expressed concern that many well-researched books on Nigeria’s history, politics, and colonial era are often cited as coming from foreign institutions like the British Library or the U.S. Library of Congress, underscoring the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s national repository.

Efforts to secure additional funding to accelerate the development of the National Virtual Library have not been fruitful. The library’s budget is insufficient to fully transition its services to electronic formats, which are increasingly essential for researchers and the general public. “The library’s current budget cannot support the complete digitalization of its services,” Anunobi said.

Despite these obstacles, Anunobi has spearheaded the establishment of the National Virtual Library of Nigeria, which provides users access to many of the same services offered at the physical library branches. The virtual library allows users to obtain International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN), access Nigeria’s Bibliography, and explore newly acquired publications. Additionally, users can pay to access restricted publications or find full-text Nigerian publications without copyright restrictions.

The National Library has also strengthened its workforce by absorbing 103 new staff members with expertise in information preservation and processing. These efforts aim to decentralize information processing, allowing more work to be done at state branches rather than solely in Abuja. The library has also invested in building the capacity of its existing staff, aligning with the Head of Service directive to improve individual performance.

Despite these initiatives, Anunobi warned that the future of Nigeria’s documented heritage remains uncertain unless the National Library receives the necessary support to address its pressing challenges.