The Network of Abuja Left Groups have called for an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of financial impropriety, procurement violations and alleged victimisation of workers at the National Library of Nigeria.

The group, comprising several left-wing and workers’ rights organisations in Abuja, made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday, following complaints reportedly raised by members of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) and the Nigerian Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processing and Allied Workers (NUPSRAW) at the National Library.

The Network said it was particularly concerned about allegations that workers who participated in petitions concerning the administration of the institution had subsequently faced punitive postings, queries and other disciplinary measures.

According to the group, workers’ representatives had previously petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption, contract inflation and violations of public procurement procedures at the National Library.

The Network also drew attention to a report published by *The Guardian* in January 2025 concerning budget allocations for the preparation and administration of the National Library’s budgets.

It said the newspaper reported that budget documents showed allocations of N2 million, N4 million and N7 million for budget preparation and administration in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 budgets respectively, amounting to N13 million.

The group said the figures warranted public explanation and scrutiny, particularly in light of workers’ allegations concerning the management of public resources.

The Network further alleged that workers who had participated in earlier complaints to the ICPC subsequently sought protection as petitioners and whistleblowers but continued to face what they described as victimisation.

It called on the ICPC and other relevant accountability institutions to clarify publicly the status of the petitions and investigations.

“After over two years since the start of the ICPC investigations, our Network insists that allegations supported by documentary complaints cannot simply disappear into bureaucratic files,” the statement said.

The group also raised concerns about the reported deterioration of facilities and archival materials at the National Library, arguing that the institution has a special responsibility to preserve Nigeria’s documentary and intellectual heritage.

It said the National Library should not be treated as the private property of any individual or administrative authority, stressing that it is a public institution established to preserve knowledge for present and future generations.

The Network said the issues involved both public accountability and workers’ rights, arguing that employees should be able to organise, petition authorities and report suspected wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

The group said it would continue to support the affected workers and their demands for accountability, justice and protection from alleged victimisation.

Demands independent investigation

Among its nine demands, the Network called for an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of financial impropriety, procurement violations, contract inflation and other irregularities raised by workers.

It also demanded that the ICPC publicly clarify the status of petitions previously submitted to the commission and ensure that any ongoing investigations are concluded without interference.

The group called for an immediate halt to alleged victimisation of workers and union officials involved in lawful petitions, investigations and trade-union activities.

It further demanded a review of punitive postings, queries and disciplinary measures allegedly connected to whistleblowing activities, pending an independent determination of the facts.

The Network also called for protection for whistleblowers and petitioners, saying workers should not have to choose between protecting their employment and reporting suspected wrongdoing.

Other demands included a transparent audit of major contracts and expenditures at the National Library, particularly projects identified in workers’ complaints; an independent assessment of the physical condition of the library’s facilities and archival collections; and urgent intervention where books, documents and other heritage materials may be at risk.

The group also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene, arguing that allegations involving public funds, workers’ rights and the preservation of Nigeria’s documentary heritage should not be treated solely as an internal administrative matter.

It further urged the Federal Government to strengthen public accountability at the National Library through transparent reporting of budgets, procurement, expenditure and institutional performance.

The statement was signed by Omole Ibukun of Creative Change Centre; Adaramoye Michael Lenin of Education Rights Campaign (ERC); Akande Daniel of The Anti-Imperialist, Nigeria; Salako Kayode of Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC); Abdullahi Bilal of Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR); and Hauwa Mustapha.