Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Wednesday signed into law three bills. The first is a bill ratifying the production sharing contract with addenda for offshore Liberia Blocks LB-8 and 9 signed between the Republic of Liberia represented by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and REGAL Liberia Limited and European Hydrocarbons Limited' at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The second is an Act ratifying the production sharing contract with addendum for offshore Liberia Block LB-15 signed between the Republic of Liberia represented by the National Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and Woodside West Africa Limited, while the third Act ratifies the production sharing contract with addenda for offshore Liberia blocks LB-16 and 17 signed between the Republic of Liberia represented by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and REPSOL Exploration S.A.'

According to an Executive Mansion release, the President signed the three bills yesterday when she met with some members of the legislature and cabinet at the Foreign Ministry.

Those present at the signing ceremony were Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, Senator Daniel Naatehn, Montserrado County Representative Kettehkumehn Murray and Nimba County Representative Nohn Kidau.

Also present were Agriculture Minister Dr. Chris Toe and Minister of State for Legal and Economic Affairs Morris Saytumah.

According to the release, President Johnson-Sirleaf further signed into law an Act ratifying the concession agreement between the Republic of Liberia and the African Development Agency (ADA) Commercial Inc.

The ADA Commercial Inc. agreement worth US$30 million involving the cultivation of rice at mechanized level in Lofa and Nimba counties.

The government said its goal is to produce 75,000 metric tons of rice in about five years, which will be a third of the amount currently imported.

This, according to the government, will yield substantial foreign exchange earnings into the country and is one of many ways of ensuring food security in the country.

Additionally, the Liberian government will ensure that food assistance be made available to the vulnerable population and there will be a consistent supply of rice on the market.

The Government, through its agreement with ADA, will also ensure that assistance be given to farmers to enable them grow more food.