Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has moved to clarify its decision to host prayer sessions, following mounting criticism from citizens concerned about the worsening state of food insecurity in the country.
The controversy began earlier this week after images and videos surfaced online showing senior officials in the Ministry engaging in what appeared to be an organized prayer service within the Ministry’s premises in Abuja. With Nigeria grappling with soaring food prices, declining agricultural productivity, and widespread insecurity across farming regions, the optics triggered immediate backlash.
Critics accused the government of resorting to religious symbolism in place of tangible action, questioning whether prayers could substitute for concrete policies.
“We are not against prayers,” said Amina Yusuf, a food systems analyst based in Kaduna. “But when institutions meant to drive solutions begin to publicly prioritize prayer over policy, it sends the wrong message about seriousness and capacity.”
In response to the backlash, the Ministry issued a press statement on Thursday, describing the prayer session as “routine” and “voluntary,” intended to seek divine guidance, not as a substitute for its operational responsibilities.
“The prayer session was part of a longstanding tradition to seek God’s favor and protection for the nation, particularly during times of great challenge,” the statement read. “This does not interfere with the Ministry’s commitment to implementing robust agricultural reforms and ensuring food security.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is currently experiencing its worst food inflation in over a decade. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, food prices have surged by over 45% year-on-year, with staples like rice, maize, and garri increasingly out of reach for many families. Insurgent activity in key agricultural zones, coupled with climate disruptions and rising production costs, have compounded the crisis.
Public reaction to the Ministry’s clarification has been mixed. Some citizens, particularly on social media, expressed frustration, accusing the government of misplaced priorities.
“Prayer is good, but where is the fertilizer subsidy? Where is the investment in irrigation, in mechanization, in extension services?” tweeted @NaijaHarvest, a popular agribusiness advocate.
Others, however, defended the Ministry’s position, citing Nigeria’s deeply religious culture and the psychological importance of spiritual reassurance in difficult times.
“Seeking divine help is not a bad thing. It shows humility. But it must be backed by serious work,” said Reverend Samuel Oladimeji, an agricultural economist and clergy in Ibadan.
This latest incident underscores a larger debate about the role of faith in Nigerian governance and whether spiritual gestures by public institutions help or hinder public trust.
For now, the Ministry says it remains focused on initiatives such as the dry season farming program, improved seed distribution, and private sector partnerships to scale up production.
But for many Nigerians, the hope is that prayers, however, well-intentioned will be matched with pragmatic solutions, transparency, and urgency.
As Nigeria faces one of its most defining food crises in recent memory, citizens appear less interested in symbolic gestures and more eager for policies that put food back on the table.
