The Network of Abuja Left Groups has called for an independent investigation into alleged financial impropriety, procurement violations, contract inflation and victimisation of workers at the National Library of Nigeria.
The group made the demand in a statement dated September 30, 2026, while expressing support for members of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions and the Nigerian Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processing and Allied Workers at the National Library.
According to the group, workers had raised concerns about the administration of the institution, poor working conditions and the deteriorating state of its facilities.
It alleged that some workers who complained about the administration had faced punitive postings, queries and other forms of victimisation.
The Network said documents available to it indicated that workers’ representatives had previously petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged corruption, contract inflation and breaches of public procurement procedures.
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It also raised questions over money reportedly allocated for the preparation and administration of the National Library’s budgets.
The group cited a January 2025 report by The Guardian, which stated that N2 million, N4 million and N7 million were allocated for budget preparation and administration in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 budgets respectively, totalling N13 million.
It further claimed that the National Library later proposed another N7 million for the preparation of its 2026 budget.
The group said the reported figures required public explanation and scrutiny, particularly amid allegations that workers who demanded accountability were subsequently subjected to punitive measures.
It also alleged that some workers involved in previous complaints had petitioned over victimisation, including postings and queries, and had sought protection as petitioners and whistleblowers.
The Network expressed concern over what it described as the lack of adequate protection from the ICPC, claiming that some investigations had remained unresolved for more than two years.
It also drew attention to the reported deterioration of facilities at the National Library, noting that poor conditions could threaten books, documents and other materials preserved by the institution.
The group said the issues involved both the management of public resources and the rights of workers to report suspected wrongdoing and participate in lawful trade-union activities.
It called for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations and urged the ICPC and other relevant agencies to publicly clarify the status of petitions previously submitted to them.
The Network also demanded a review of alleged punitive postings, queries and disciplinary actions linked to workers’ whistleblowing activities, pending an independent determination of the facts.
It further called for protection for whistleblowers and petitioners, a transparent audit of major National Library contracts and expenditures, and an independent assessment of the condition of the institution’s facilities and archival collections.
The group urged the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene, arguing that the allegations concern public funds, workers’ rights and the preservation of Nigeria’s documentary heritage.
It also called on the Federal Government to ensure greater transparency in the National Library’s budgeting, procurement, expenditure and institutional performance.
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