The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s most significant repositories of political history, has become a subject of concern over the country’s longstanding poor maintenance culture.
The facility, which opened in 2017, houses an extensive collection documenting the life and political career of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, including personal effects, official vehicles, historical documents, photographs and recreations of significant periods of his life.
However, a recent account of a tour of the 32-hectare facility observed faded paint, blackened patches on walls, cracks and other visible signs of wear, raising questions about how effectively the monument is being preserved less than a decade after its operation.
The concerns extend to different sections of the complex. The visitor management system at the presidential library was reportedly out of service, while weeds had begun competing with flowers around parts of the facility. A loose-looking ceiling bulb and black discolouration on sections of the property were also observed.
Obasanjo’s Presidential Library and Nigeria’s Poor Maintenance Culture.docx
More troublingly, some of the technology installed to enhance visitors’ experience is no longer functioning. LED screens designed to display notable African leaders and trigger audio-visual interviews reportedly stopped working, with the tour guide attributing the problem to depleted batteries and outdated equipment. Efforts to have the Chinese company that installed the system replace it have reportedly proved difficult.
The library nevertheless retains a remarkable collection of historical materials. Among the exhibits are Obasanjo’s schoolbag, primary school report sheets, historical vehicles, his handwritten manuscript of My Command, old correspondence, prison clothing and recreations of his Yola prison cell and Aso Rock office.
The importance of such a facility goes beyond tourism. Presidential libraries preserve records of national leaders, their challenges, policies and achievements, providing valuable resources for researchers and future generations while promoting continuity in national history.
The facility’s current management, however, insists that maintenance is ongoing. Facility manager Taiwo Olanbiwonnu said maintenance activities were being carried out daily, although he did not comment on whether visitor patronage was sufficient to cover running costs or whether the recent removal of a former facility manager was linked to maintenance concerns.
For architect Chris Uloko, the challenge reflects a much wider Nigerian problem. He described the failure to properly maintain buildings as “the story of Nigeria,” linking it partly to widespread disregard for building rules. He stressed that proper architectural practice requires not only designing and supervising a building but also handing over a maintenance manual.
The situation at the Obasanjo Presidential Library therefore presents a broader question for Nigeria: if a facility specifically established to preserve the nation’s political history struggles with maintenance, what happens to the countless public monuments, schools, hospitals and government buildings across the country?
For a nation seeking to preserve its history for future generations, building monuments may be only the beginning. The real test is whether Nigeria can develop a culture of maintaining what it builds.
