In a move that has drawn both interest and criticism, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in Nigeria has declared a three-day prayer and fasting program to seek divine intervention in ensuring national food security.
The decision, which became public through an internal memo signed by Adedayo Modupe, the Director of Human Resources Management, was addressed to all directors and staff members of the ministry. Dated June 11, 2025, the memo invited personnel to participate in prayer and fasting sessions scheduled for three Mondays June 17, June 24, and July 1 at the ministry’s Conference Hall B in Abuja.
The theme of the sessions is “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” and each event is slated to last 30 minutes, from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m.
The internal communication emphasized the importance of seeking divine help, stating that the prayer was aimed at supporting ongoing efforts by the federal government to stabilize and secure the nation’s food supply, which has come under pressure due to rising prices, insecurity, climate-related challenges, and global supply chain issues.
Following the leak of the memo and media coverage led by TheCable, the announcement triggered a wave of reactions across social media and public forums.
Many Nigerians expressed skepticism over the spiritual approach to a deeply structural problem. Critics argued that while prayer may have spiritual value, food security requires urgent action, practical planning, and policy execution—especially in a country where millions face hunger and inflation rates continue to affect food prices.
Some citizens questioned the appropriateness of such an initiative from a government body tasked with formulating and implementing food and agricultural policy. One commentator wrote: “We don’t need prayers from the agriculture ministry. We need tractors, fertilizers, rural security, and support for small-scale farmers.”
Others, however, defended the initiative, saying it is not uncommon for faith to play a role in governance and that national development requires both human effort and divine guidance.
Amidst the growing public debate, the ministry issued a clarification on June 14, 2025, stating that the prayer and fasting initiative was not an official policy instrument or government directive regarding national food security.
According to the clarification, the sessions are voluntary wellness activities designed for ministry staff, much like their regular aerobics classes, mental health checks, and gym programs. It explained that while the content of the prayers might reflect national concerns such as food security and safety, the sessions were intended to promote personal well-being, team morale, and spiritual rejuvenation among staff.
The Ministry emphasized that its food security strategies remain anchored on President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which includes mechanization of agriculture, subsidy programs, farmer education, and improved access to financing and logistics.
The declaration of a three-day prayer and fasting event by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has ignited conversations about the intersection of faith, governance, and policy making in Nigeria. While the Ministry has reiterated that its core operations remain grounded in practical strategy, the event raises broader questions about how government institutions approach national crises—and the role that both human effort and spiritual reflection play in shaping public service.
