AI Not A Threat To Existence Of Libraries – NLA President

President of Nigeria Library Association (NLA), Dr Lawal Umar, has posited that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a threat to the existence of libraries. He therefore called on governments at all levels and other stakeholders to urgently revitalise libraries in the country.

Umar spoke at the 2026 Annual National Conference of the association in Minna, Niger State, with the theme “Our Future, Our Hope: The State of Libraries and Librarianship in Nigeria.”

While decrying inadequate funding and poor commitment by government and stakeholders to library development, Umar said the situation had continued to undermine the nation’s knowledge infrastructure.

He also addressed the concerns that AI could render libraries obsolete, saying that was not the case. He called for the use of  technology to strengthen library services.

Umar said, “Artificial Intelligence is not a threat to the existence of libraries. Rather, it is challenging us to reposition. We are already working to integrate emerging technologies into library operations to improve our profession.”

He disclosed that the association has intensified advocacy aimed at encouraging the governments to invest in libraries and recognise the critical role of librarians in national development.

“There are a lot of gaps in library management in Nigeria. One of the major gaps is government commitment. We are carrying out advocacy to ensure governments revive our libraries because libraries and librarians remain essential to building a better society,” he said.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to repositioning libraries as centres for learning and innovation.

Nana noted that the ongoing renovation of the Abubakar Imam Library in Minna would transform the facility into a knowledge exchange centre for researchers and young people, as well as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub.

The chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Nigerian Library Association, Dr. Musa Adamu, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen library services in the state and across the country.