President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday read the Riot Act to rice importers in the country, saying all those owing the nation rice import duties must pay, no matter how highly placed they are.

He said under no circumstance will he allow rice importers to hold the nation to ransom.

“Nigeria our dear country will not be held hostage by rice importers. There will be no sacred cows under my watch. All those owing Nigeria on rice import duties must pay,” Jonathan declared at the opening of an event called AgriFest 2015 at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

The President noted that rice farmers across the country have a new lease of life due to the transformation taking place in the sector.

He said over six million rice farmers have received improved rice seed varieties, boosting domestic rice production by an additional seven million metric tons.

He said, “The rice revolution is taking place across the country, from Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Bauchi, Gombe, Niger, Kogi, Ogun, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Edo to Bayelsa State.

“High quality Nigerian rice is now competing favourably with imported rice in the markets.

“Our rice millers have taken advantage of these new opportunities, and the number of integrated rice mills has expanded from 1 (one) at the beginning of this administration, to 24 today.

“And they are all here today. I celebrate you all. I eat Nigerian rice and can tell you it is better than imported rice,” he added.

Jonathan also announced the release of N26billion for the 2015 dry season farming programme.

He told the large gathering of farmers that he remained the farmers’ President and would need their support to remain in office beyond this year.

He said the various innovations put up by his administration had changed the face of agriculture in the country.

He promised to do more for the farmers and the sector if re-elected.