The National Library boss told lawmakers that N292.267 million had been paid to the contractor and that the project was about 85 per cent completed.

She added that about N7.3 million remains as the outstanding balance on the project.

However, members of the Public Accounts Committee expressed concern over the project’s status, noting that despite the substantial payment made, the contractor had not been seen on site since October 2023.

The committee also questioned the eighth payment certificate valued at N65.2 million processed alongside an earlier unpaid certificate despite limited documentation provided to justify the payments.

Lawmakers further observed that the only document submitted to the committee was the original letter of award, while other key procurement documents, including the variation request and approval records, were missing from the agency’s submission.

Responding, Anunobi said some of the processes surrounding the project predated her tenure but assured lawmakers that all relevant documents would be submitted to the committee.

Following deliberations, the committee directed NLN to submit all outstanding procurement and payment documents relating to the project.

It also constituted a three-member investigative team to conduct a physical inspection of the project site in Jalingo.

The committee further directed NLN and the contractors, Samsung and Asosu Nigeria Limited, to reappear before it after the inspection for a final determination on the project’s status and possible next steps.

© Emma