The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended a proposed series of prayer and fasting sessions initially scheduled as part of efforts to seek divine intervention for achieving food security in Nigeria.
The decision to put the plan on hold followed widespread criticism from the public, especially on social media, where many Nigerians expressed disapproval of the initiative.
The ministry’s earlier directive, outlined in an internal circular dated June 11, called on top-level staff — including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers — to participate in spiritual gatherings at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The memo, signed by Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., Director of Human Resource Management, had invited staff to attend three consecutive prayer sessions set for June 16, 23, and 30, under the theme, “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development.”
According to the original communication, all employees were expected to fast and actively participate in the sessions. “This is to invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and supporting the Government’s effort to achieve food security,” the circular stated.
However, in a follow-up message, the same director announced the suspension of the program until further notice. No official explanation was offered for the reversal, but the decision appeared to be prompted by the wave of backlash from citizens who questioned the ministry’s reliance on spiritual measures rather than practical policy solutions to address Nigeria’s worsening food crisis.
Critics were quick to highlight the rising cost of food items and the growing rate of hunger and malnutrition among Nigerians, urging the ministry to focus instead on tangible strategies.
Many commentators urged the Ministry to instead focus on actionable strategies such as improving access to farming inputs, expanding irrigation infrastructure, supporting local food producers, curbing post-harvest losses, and strengthening distribution networks to reduce costs.
While spiritual exercises are not uncommon within government circles, observers say this episode underscores the urgency for policy-driven leadership, particularly in addressing critical issues like food insecurity that affect millions of Nigerians daily.