Freelancer Life in Abuja: Working from Olusegun Obasanjo Library (Escaping the House Series)

If you’re tired of noisy cafés and craving a truly serene place to work in Abuja, the Olusegun Obasanjo Library at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre might just be the quiet haven you need. For location 4 in my Escaping the House series, I wanted a change of pace, somewhere that felt more structured and inspiring, and this space absolutely delivered.

Whether you’re a student, remote worker, or creative, this space combines professional energy with peace and purpose. It’s one of the most surprisingly underrated work spots in the city, and if you’ve been looking for places to work in Abuja Central Area or quiet library in Abuja for remote work, let’s talk about why this one belongs on your list.

Why I Chose Olusegun Obasanjo Library

Unlike previous spots in this series, this isn’t a cafe and was actually designed for work. Which is exactly what I needed, I had a lot to do. I needed structure, I needed motivation, and I didn’t want to spend on yet another cup of overpriced coffee. The best part is I already had an annual membership (₦35,000 for the year), which I’d paid for back in November, 2024. Honestly, I keep forgetting I even paid for it, it feels like a free office I can just pop into anytime.

The only thing to note is because it’s inside a large event facility, parking can get hectic when events are being hosted. There’s ample space both inside and outside though, and if you don’t mind parking outside the premises, you’re good. I personally prefer to park inside, especially since I usually leave a sandwich in the car and head out for snack breaks (there are no restaurants around).

First Impressions: Grand, Green, and Peaceful

Finding the library is a breeze. It’s located inside the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, right in the heart of Central Area. No traffic nightmares, no weird detours. The architecture is monumental, and the environment is grand, airy, and surrounded by greenery.

From the moment you step in, there’s a sense of stillness, like you’ve entered a place with purpose. The light streaming in, the wide open spaces, and the art around the building all work together to calm you before you even sit down.

If you’re building your freelance career and want to explore actual job opportunities, check out this guide: Freelancing Platforms in Nigeria: Where to Find Work in 2025, it’s a breakdown of where real clients and projects live online.

Why Freelancers Working from Libraries in Abuja May Benefit from This Space

I went to work, not scroll, not vibe. I had design work to do, admin to clear, and mental space to create. And it worked. The environment alone makes you want to get things done.

Seating is super comfortable and varied. There are multiple tables, and you can even find corners that feel semi-private. They also have books, actual reference books and research materials if that’s your thing.

Now, a few caveats. Wi-Fi is hit or miss. There have been days I had to leave early because it just wasn’t working. That said, I always go with my Glo MiFi, and sometimes switch between that and my MTN hotspot.

Also, not enough power outlets. Honestly, for a place this large, it’s shocking. Some tables have no access to sockets at all. But as someone who never goes anywhere without an extension cord (and often ends up sharing it), I’ve learned to make it work.

Amenities, Space & Quiet Culture

This library is inside one of Nigeria’s most beautiful architectural buildings. The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre is a memorial and cultural space, with a research library, exhibition hall, conference rooms, and more.

Everything about it feels intentional. It’s clean, quiet, and respectful. One of my favourite things is the mini prayer room. If you’ve ever tried to spend a full day somewhere and needed to pray, you know how valuable this is.

Toilets are spacious, clean, and stocked with hand soap, tissues, and even water kettles for washing. Major points there.

If you’re still trying to figure out what kind of freelance services to offer, this post might help: Freelancing Ideas: What You Can Do with the Skills You Already Have. You don’t need to start from scratch. Sometimes all you need is a little direction.

Who Is Olusegun Obasanjo Library For

Students, freelancers, creatives, anyone who needs silence and structure.

They even have a borrowable library system (I haven’t used it yet), and you can study, write, read, or just sit in silence for hours. No music, no random noise, just focus. They also have Full AC system. Come with a hoodie or shawl if you get cold easily.

If you’re a beginner freelancer still figuring out how to hit your first income goals, don’t forget to grab my free guide: How to Make Your First 100k Freelancing. It’ll give you a head start and help you work with more clarity, especially in places like this where the environment pushes you to be productive.

And if you’re working with clients already, my downloadable Contract Template is perfect for you, protect your terms and make a solid first impression.

Cost vs. Value of working from the library

Totally worth it. You pay once a year (₦35,000), and the value stretches far. You can stay all day (they open at 8AM and close at 5PM), and no one bothers you. Memberships even get filled up, so if this is your kind of space, it’s worth securing access.

There’s no restaurant, but plenty of outdoor areas to step out for a quick meal or do like me and stash snacks in your car.

Snapshot Ratings

Category	Rating (out of 5)
Wi-Fi Speed	⭐⭐⭐
Power Availability	⭐⭐⭐
Noise Level	⭐
Seating Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Workability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Final Reflection of working from Olusegun Obasanjo Library

I left feeling accomplished, like I’d actually put my time to good use. Compared to other entries in the Escaping the House series, this one ranks high in motivation. While cafés bring comfort, this place brings clarity. It inspires you to work.

You should visit Olusegun Obasanjo Library if you are looking for a quiet library in Abuja for remote work, read, or study.

Want to see how it looks in real life? Watch the behind-the-scenes of my work session on TikTok: @beinghauwa.

And if you’re serious about working remotely and building a freelance business in Nigeria, make sure you read: Freelancing Platforms in Nigeria: Where to Find Work in 2025. It’s one of the best places to start.

Next up? Somewhere unexpected, stay tuned for Entry 5 in the Escaping the House series. ☁️📚