Backpedal at the Altar: Agriculture Ministry Halts Prayer Sessions Amid Hunger Backlash by Nigerians

 

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has quietly shelved a controversial plan to hold weekly prayer and fasting sessions at its headquarters in Abuja, aimed at seeking divine help to combat Nigeria's worsening hunger crisis.

Just days earlier, a leaked circular from the ministry, dated June 11, 2025, had sparked public debate and media scrutiny. The memo, signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., invited top ministry personnel—including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain officers—to participate in three weekly prayer gatherings under the banner, “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development.” The sessions were scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30.

According to the circular, the initiative was intended to complement the government’s broader efforts toward achieving food security by invoking spiritual support. Staff were encouraged to fast and gather solemnly to “seek God’s guidance” amid the escalating national concern over food scarcity and rising inflation.

That internal directive, once leaked, immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media and in civil society circles. Many Nigerians expressed frustration at what they saw as a deflection from the practical responsibilities of government officials tasked with addressing the dire food situation. Critics argued that policy, not prayer, was needed to stabilize food prices, bolster agricultural productivity, and manage the supply chain disruptions plaguing the sector.

Without warning or explanation, the ministry reversed course. A second memo, issued just days after the initial announcement and also signed by Mrs. Modupe, stated that the planned spiritual exercise had been postponed “until further notice.” No further comment was offered, nor were reasons cited for the abrupt U-turn.

The timing of the retraction suggests that the decision may have been influenced by growing public unease. Hunger levels in Nigeria have surged over the past year, exacerbated by factors including climate change, insecurity in key farming regions, and currency devaluation. Inflation on staple food items like rice, maize, and beans has pushed basic meals out of reach for millions, with food inflation topping 40% according to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

For a ministry charged with safeguarding the nation’s food supply, the optics of turning to spiritual remedies over policy and planning proved troubling to many observers. “Nigerians are not asking the Agriculture Ministry to perform miracles. They’re asking for competence,” said Amina Ogundipe, an economist and policy analyst based in Lagos. “Faith can be personal, but when public institutions prioritize prayer over strategy, that becomes a problem.”

The move also raised eyebrows among labor groups. A representative of the Nigerian Civil Service Union, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that several employees were uncomfortable with the directive, fearing it blurred the line between personal beliefs and professional obligations. “We should focus on deploying technical expertise, not holding mass vigils in government offices,” the representative said.

While religious practices are deeply woven into the fabric of Nigerian society, many critics of the canceled sessions emphasized that spiritual initiatives should not replace actionable policy frameworks. Past government-led prayer campaigns have also drawn similar scrutiny, especially when tied to pressing national issues such as insecurity, unemployment, or health crises.

Observers point to the missed opportunity for the ministry to redirect attention to evidence-based strategies, such as improving access to farm inputs, investing in storage infrastructure, and enhancing rural road networks to aid food distribution. Others have urged better coordination with international partners and local stakeholders to implement sustainable agricultural programs rather than symbolic gestures.

Despite the backlash, some staff within the ministry defended the initial idea, calling it a well-intentioned attempt to unify and motivate workers during difficult times. “It was never meant to be the only solution,” one official said off the record. “It was more about moral support than a substitute for our technical work.”

Whether the backlash leads to further policy introspection or remains a footnote in the wider food security conversation remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the public appetite for accountability has sharpened. Citizens are watching not only what government agencies say, but what they do—and how they choose to respond when faced with criticism.