N13.2m Debt Crisis: Abia Community Shuts Down National Library for Three Months as Workers Idle at Home

The National Library of Nigeria in Abia State has remained under lock and key for over three months after the host community sealed off the building over an unpaid rent debt of ₦13.2 million.

Located inside the Ohokobe Mbaocha Hall in Umuahia North Local Government Area, the library has been closed since August 2025, leaving its staff stranded and unable to work.

The branch director, Mr. Enang Ikpi Efoli, told DAILY POST that the library’s troubles began under the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji, who initially rented the office space for ₦1.2 million per year. According to Efoli, Orji’s government paid ₦6 million for five years, with a promise to secure land for a permanent federal library building in the state.

However, he said that subsequent administrations failed to honor that agreement. Orji’s successor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, allegedly made no payments throughout his tenure, causing the debt to balloon to ₦13.2 million.

“We’ve been appealing to the current administration under Governor Alex Otti to intervene and help us settle the debt so we can resume operations, but so far, nothing has changed,” Efoli lamented.

He expressed concern that the closure has denied academics, researchers, and students access to critical information resources, warning that the National Library might relocate to another state “where its services are better appreciated.”

Confirming the community’s position, the chairman of Ohokobe Mbaocha, Mr. Nduka Awomukwu, said the relationship between the community and the library remains cordial but insisted that the facility would remain sealed until the outstanding rent is fully paid.

“We are not at war with them, but we can’t continue to let our property be used without payment. If this persists, we will go to court to recover our money,” Awomukwu said.

During his September media chat at Government House, Governor Alex Otti said he was unaware of the situation but directed the relevant authorities to investigate and report back.

A visit to the locked premises by DAILY POST on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that the building remains sealed, with workers absent and operations grounded.