The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its earlier directive for nationwide prayer and fasting sessions “for God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food security.”
The move comes after widespread public backlash over the appropriateness of organizing spiritual gatherings in response to Nigeria’s deepening food crisis.
A leaked internal circular dated June 11 and signed by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., had invited senior staff — including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers — to participate in weekly spiritual gatherings at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The initiative, tagged “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” was scheduled to hold on June 16, 23, and 30. The memo stated that all staff were expected to fast and attend 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 had read.
However, in a subsequent message, the same director announced ...ponement of the spiritual programme until further notice. No official explanation was given for the suspension.
The abrupt U-turn came amid mounting criticism from the public, with many questioning the appropriateness of spiritual responses to the worsening food crisis in the country.
Critics contended that the Ministry should focus on practical policy measures — such as revitalizing agricultural infrastructure, providing subsidies to farmers, and strengthening food distribution systems — rather than organizing prayer sessions.
“This is not the time for optics or rituals. Nigerians need food security plans, not prayer schedules,” said one social media commentator, echoing a widely held sentiment online.