The Kano State Government has dismissed as false a viral video claiming that the historic Murtala Muhammed Library has been abandoned by the present administration.
The Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, debunked the claim in a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Kano.
“The government wishes to categorically state that the library has not been abandoned.
“It is currently undergoing comprehensive renovation and modernisation to restore its lost glory and transform it into a modern resource centre for learning, research, and intellectual development,” he said.
Abdullahi-Waiya explained that the government had awarded a contract to Global Firm Limited for the renovation.
“As work began, the contractor removed furniture, bookshelves, and other materials from the upstairs section to clear the reading room for rehabilitation.
“These items were temporarily moved downstairs, creating the congestion seen in the viral video,” he said.
He, however, said the government was dissatisfied that the contractor had failed to maintain the pace of work and had since abandoned the site.
“Appropriate measures are being taken against the contractor in line with contractual obligations and due process.
“Government will not tolerate negligence or delays that undermine projects meant to improve public infrastructure and education in the state,” he said.
The commissioner stated that Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s administration remained fully committed to renovating and modernising the library to meet contemporary and international standards.
“Upon completion, the library will feature modern facilities, improved reading halls, digital research resources, and a more conducive environment for students, researchers, academics, and the general public,” he assured.
Abdullahi-Waiya urged the public to disregard misleading narratives suggesting deliberate abandonment of the project and to verify information before sharing content that could cause unnecessary panic.
