National Library In Nasarawa Laments 14-Year Power Outage, Cries Out For Urgent Help

The Nasarawa State Branch of the National Library of Nigeria has raised concerns over the prolonged absence of electricity at its Lafia facility, saying the centre has been without power for more than 14 years.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Head of the branch, Angela Anya, disclosed the situation during an interview in Lafia, where she highlighted the impact of the prolonged power outage on the library’s operations and services.

Anya explained that reliable electricity is essential for academic research, learning activities and the digital preservation of historical records. She said the prolonged lack of power had significantly affected the facility’s ability to operate effectively and provide services to users.

Beyond the electricity crisis, the library is also facing other infrastructural challenges, including inadequate internet connectivity and a shortage of bookshelves needed to properly store its growing collection of publications.

Anya appealed to the Nasarawa State Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the institution in addressing its infrastructural challenges. She said improved facilities would enable the library to perform its statutory responsibilities more effectively.

She described the National Library as an important repository of Nigeria’s historical and cultural heritage and encouraged scholars, researchers and innovators to take advantage of the resources available at the facility.

The library official also reminded authors and researchers of their legal responsibility to deposit copies of their publications and research findings with the National Library for permanent preservation and inclusion in the national bibliography.

Anya further called on private companies and philanthropists to complement government efforts by supporting the development of modern library facilities equipped with digital databases, research tools and digitised archives.

She also advised publishers to comply with regulatory requirements, particularly the need to obtain the appropriate International Standard Book Number before producing educational and cultural publications.

According to Anya, publishing or circulating materials without the required ISBN constitutes an offence that may attract statutory penalties under the law.