The National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Anunobi, on Friday, 10 July 2026, received a delegation from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at the National Library Headquarters, Abuja, on a benchmarking visit aimed at strengthening plans for the establishment of the Board's library and knowledge management Centre.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Anunobi described the National Library of Nigeria as the apex institution for library development in the country, noting that every nation has a national library that serves as the custodian of its published heritage and the driver of library standards and development.
She explained that establishing a functional special library requires a well-structured knowledge management framework for acquiring, organizing, preserving and providing seamless access to information. According to her, the proposed library should have a repository, subscribe to relevant electronic resources, embrace emerging technologies and digitize its collections to enhance research and information accessibility.
The National Librarian stressed the importance of maintaining both digital and physical archives in line with established preservation standards, while ensuring that the library environment is conducive for users. She also emphasized the need for an effective library management system to facilitate easy organization and retrieval of information resources.
Professor Anunobi further advised the Board to invest in critical infrastructure, including scanners, reliable power supply, computers and high-speed internet connectivity, noting that these are essential tools for modern library operations. She also urged the institution to strengthen its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capacity to safeguard its digital platforms against cyber threats.
Speaking on information dissemination, she encouraged the Board to obtain International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) for its blogs, journals and newsletters to ensure they meet internationally recognized publishing standards.
She noted that commitment, passion and the willingness to embrace innovation are key factors for building a successful library, assuring the delegation of the National Library's readiness to provide the necessary technical support and guidance. She, however, urged the Board to sustain a strong collaborative relationship with the National Library of Nigeria in achieving its objectives.
Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics Department of the National Library of Nigeria, Mrs. Ngozi Odogwu, encouraged the delegation to participate in the forthcoming training programme at the Centre for Advanced Library Information Management (CALIM), scheduled for September. She noted that the training would provide participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for establishing and managing a standard library.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Nigerian Content Academy, Mrs. Doris Opuwari-Bai, said the visit was intended to understudy the National Library's best practices in establishing and managing a standard library. She explained that the delegation sought guidance on library policies, operational procedures, staff training requirements and professional certifications necessary for effective library management.
According to her, the proposed library would serve as a heritage repository for the oil and gas sector, preserving valuable information on local content development and other related fields. She expressed optimism that the visit would mark the beginning of a sustained partnership between both organizations, adding that the Board would continue to engage the National Library for further technical support as the project progresses.
Members of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board delegation included Mrs. Salamatu Ibrahim, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication; Mr. Gabriel Ojo, Supervisor, Finance and Accounts; Dr. Gbenekanu Mpigi, Supervisor, Nigerian Content Academy; Dr. Simon Olise, Library Services, Human Resources; and Mr. Muhammad Sirajo, ICT Officer.
The National Library management team at the meeting comprised Mrs. Ngozi Odogwu, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics Department; Mr. Joseph Kehinde Ojo, Director, Public Services Department; Mr. Abubakar Hambagda Husseni, Director, Collection Development and Technical Services Department; Mrs. Jekhine Phyllis, Head, International Standard and Program Department; and Mrs. Abdullazzez Mistura, Head, Legal Deposit Department