The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its proposed prayer and fasting sessions originally intended to seek divine intervention in addressing Nigeria’s deepening hunger crisis.
The decision comes in the wake of public backlash and media scrutiny following the leak of an internal memo dated June 11, 2025. The circular, signed by Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., Director of Human Resource Management, had directed all ministry staff including senior officials such as directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain officers to participate in weekly prayer gatherings at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters.
Tagged “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” the sessions were scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30. Staff were also encouraged to fast and pray for God’s guidance in achieving national food security.
“This is to invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and support for the government’s effort to achieve food security,” the initial circular read.
However, in a subsequent memo issued days later, the ministry abruptly announced the suspension of the spiritual initiative “until further notice,” without providing an official explanation.
The move follows a wave of criticism from Nigerians who questioned the effectiveness and appropriateness of relying on prayer as a government strategy to combat hunger and rising food inflation. Many argued that the focus should instead be on actionable policies and urgent intervention programs to improve agricultural productivity, reduce food prices, and address supply chain challenges.
As the country grapples with worsening food insecurity, the ministry’s brief turn to spiritual measures has sparked a national conversation about the balance between faith and governance particularly in matters as critical as feeding the nation.
Only in Africa you will hear this type of strategy.
The root causes such insecurity, traditional way of farming, lack of advanced equipment etc are known to the government. What have they done to address it?