The Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended its proposed three-day prayer and fasting programme to address the nation’s food crisis.
This follows a widespread public backlash and condemnation from concerned Nigerians.
The proposed programme was scheduled to be held on June 16, 23, and 30, and was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through an internal circular dated June 11, 2025.
The Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs Adedayo Modupe, in a circular, had urged top officials of the ministry, including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers, to attend the prayer sessions and observe a fast.
According to the ministry, the session titled “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” was to take place at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja and was designed “for God’s guidance and support in the government’s effort to achieve 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 supporting the Government’s effort to achieve food security,” the circular read in part.
However, after public outrage and criticism, especially on social media, the Ministry, in a follow-up communication, reversed the decision and announced that the spiritual programme had been postponed until further notice.
No official explanation was offered for the suspension.
According to reports, the decision to hold a prayer session sparked heated reactions from Nigerians who described the move as misplaced, given the current economic hardship and rising cost of food. Many urged the Ministry to focus instead on implementing concrete policy actions to revitalise the agricultural sector.
Critics accused the government of resorting to spiritual rituals while millions of citizens continue to face hunger and food insecurity.
“This is not the time for optics or rituals. Nigerians need food security plans, not prayer schedules,” a social media user posted, echoing the frustration of many.
Others called on the Ministry to channel efforts into tangible interventions such as upgrading farming infrastructure, providing subsidies to farmers, and improving food storage and distribution channels across the country.
The leaked memo and subsequent reversal have added to the growing concern about the government’s capacity to respond effectively to the worsening food situation in the country.
