The concept of the Presidential Library started in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt who donated his official documents for national use.

[6][7] The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library was conceived by Nyaknno Osso[8] in 1988 to immortalize him, and it was actualized after he became the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Foundation's board of trustees was charged with mobilising private sector interest and funding to construct, furnish, maintain, and protect the Library complex's buildings and its holdings.

The construction of the complex presented many environmental and physical challenges due to the site's unique topographical formation.

Others form hillocks that create an excellent view of the entire complex and major areas of the surrounding cityscape.