Agriculture Ministry Halts Prayer And Fasting Plan After Public Outcry

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its proposed prayer and fasting sessions aimed at seeking divine help for Nigeria’s food security efforts, following widespread criticism from the public.

The initiative, revealed in a leaked internal circular dated June 11 and signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., invited top-level ministry staff — including directors and desk officers — to participate in weekly spiritual gatherings at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Tagged “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” the sessions were scheduled to hold on June 16, 23, and 30, with staff expected to fast and pray for God’s guidance in supporting the government’s efforts to tackle food insecurity.

“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 memo read.

However, in a follow-up message, the same director announced that the sessions had been postponed indefinitely. No reason was given for the sudden reversal.

The move came after intense backlash online, with many Nigerians criticizing the ministry for leaning on spiritual practices instead of implementing practical solutions to address rising food prices and worsening hunger across the country.

“This is not the time for optics or rituals. Nigerians need food security plans, not prayer schedules,” one social media user commented, echoing the views of many others.

Critics urged the ministry to focus on tangible reforms — such as investing in agricultural infrastructure, providing subsidies to farmers, and fixing distribution channels — rather than resorting to symbolic gestures.