The National Library of Nigeria and the National Library of the Republic of Bulgaria have renewed their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and institutional cooperation.

The renewal ceremony which held virtually, took place on Monday, April 7, 2024, at the respective Headquarters of both National Libraries, in Abuja and Sofia, respectively.

Speaking during the event, the National Librarian, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership with the Bulgarian counterpart, which began with the signing of the first MoU on March 28, 2023, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

According to Prof. Anunobi, the new agreement supersedes the previous one and will remain in effect until 2027. She highlighted the National Library of Nigeria’s strengths, particularly in Legal Deposit and the Readership Promotion Campaign (RPC), which led to the establishment of the Bulgarian Corner—an initiative made possible through book donations from the Bulgarian National Library.

She also praised the Bulgarian institution’s expertise in preservation, document repair, and digitization of heritage materials.

In her response, Prof. Kalina Ivanova, National Librarian of the Republic of Bulgaria, described the agreement as a reaffirmation of both nations’ shared commitment to knowledge, culture, and international collaboration. She thanked the leadership and staff of the National Library of Nigeria for their dedication and openness, expressing optimism for a more vibrant phase of cooperation.

The MoU was jointly signed by Professor Anunobi on behalf of the National Library of Nigeria and Professor Ivanova on behalf of the National Library of Bulgaria. The document was executed in both English and Bulgarian languages.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by top officials of both institutions, including all Deputy Directors from the National Library of the Republic of Bulgaria and Maria Stefanova. Also in attendance from the Nigerian side were Ms Amaka Ojielo (Director, IS&PD), Mr. Abubakar Husani Hambagda (Director, CDTS), Mr. Bashiru Salawu (Director, VLSD), Mr. Kehinde Joseph Ojo (Director, PSD), Ms. I.G. Akpabio (Director, LD), Barr. Pauline Ogbu (Assistant Director, Legal), Mr. Orvell Dio (Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations), and Mr. Kayode Akinsanya (Assistant Director, ICT).