The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its planned national prayer and fasting sessions, which were originally intended as a spiritual effort to curb rising hunger across the country.
The decision comes in the wake of widespread public backlash and mounting criticism over the ministry’s approach to tackling Nigeria’s food crisis.
The controversial plan was revealed in a leaked internal circular dated June 11, 2025, which directed all ministry personnel—including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers—to participate in weekly spiritual gatherings at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., the memo urged staff to engage in a programme titled “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” with fasting and prayer sessions scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30.
“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 sudden reversal, the same official announced the postponement of the programme “until further notice” in a follow-up memo. No explanation was offered for the change in direction.
The U-turn follows a wave of criticism from Nigerians on social media who described the proposal as tone-deaf in light of the country’s worsening food situation.
Under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has seen record levels of food inflation, which reached over 40% year-on-year as of May 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Prices of staples such as rice, yam, garri, and maize have more than doubled in many markets, placing enormous strain on households already grappling with high fuel costs.