Abuja — The Federal Government yesterday approved contracts totaling N1.71 billion for the purchase and supply of Primary 6 English Language, Mathematics and Science textbooks for public schools nationwide.

Minister of Information and Communications, Dora Akunyili, announced this in Abuja after a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan.

She said the contract would be funded by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for which N438.6 million has been earmarked in its 2010 Supplementary Budget 2010 as part of efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) textbooks initiative of UBEC.

The minister stated that "in efforts to consolidate on the achievements made in the provision of textbooks to public primary schools, the federal government appropriated N4billion under the MDGs Textbooks Initiative for the procurement of textbooks for pupils in public schools nationwide.

"The textbooks will be customised with the inscription: 'MDGs-UBEC Textbook Initiative 2010 - Not For Sale'."

The FEC also approved the construction of modern headquarters for the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Abuja. It will cost N3.59 billion although N594 million has been set aside for it in the 2010 Budget. The balance will be appropriated for as an on-going project over the next two years at N1.5 billion for 2011 and 2012.

The nine-storey headquarters building to be completed in 26 months is expected "to decongest the present overcrowded office and end separation of staff at the annex complex", she noted.

The ratification of the extension of contract for operation, maintenance and staff training for the Wupa Basic Sewage Treatment Plant in Abuja which was commissioned in May 2007, was equally approved by the FEC.