Tinubu’s Agric Ministry Makes U-turn, Suspends 3-Day National Prayer for Food Security After Public Outcry

Suspension Follows Backlash Over Leaked Circular Calling for Spiritual Intervention Amid Rising Food Prices

 

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its earlier plan to organize a three-day national prayer and fasting session for food security following a wave of public backlash.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the proposed programme, aimed at seeking divine intervention to address Nigeria’s growing food crisis, had been scheduled to take place on June 16, 23, and 30, 2025, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The prayer sessions, which were internally tagged “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” were intended to gather ministry officials for special spiritual exercises. However, widespread public criticism led to its sudden suspension.

Leaked Memo Sparks Controversy

The controversy began when a leaked circular, dated June 11, 2025, surfaced online. The circular, signed by Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O., the Director of Human Resource Management in the ministry, invited senior staff, including directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers, to participate in the prayer sessions.

The memo stated:

“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.”

 

 

 

 

It further directed participating staff members to observe fasting during the scheduled days.

Ministry Announces Suspension of Programme

In a subsequent communication, the Ministry formally suspended the initiative. Another circular signed by the same director simply noted that the exercise had been postponed until further notice. No official explanation accompanied the decision.

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TJ News Nigeria gathered that the reversal came shortly after the circular ignited widespread criticism across social media and public discourse.

Nigerians Demand Concrete Action, Not Rituals

The announcement of the prayer programme drew heavy criticism from Nigerians who argued that the government should focus on concrete agricultural reforms rather than religious activities.

Many Nigerians questioned the rationale behind introducing a spiritual approach in tackling food insecurity at a time when millions of citizens are battling inflation, hunger, and skyrocketing prices of staple food items.

Critics emphasized the urgent need for:

• Enhanced support for local farmers

• Implementation of modern mechanized farming methods

• Provision of subsidies for fertilizers and seeds

• Development of effective food distribution systems

• Security for farmers in rural communities to prevent disruption of farming activities

A popular sentiment shared online read:

“This is not the time for optics or rituals. Nigerians need food security plans, not prayer schedules.”

Food Crisis Remains a Major Concern

Nigeria’s food crisis has remained a central issue in national conversations, especially as the cost of essential commodities continues to rise. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that food inflation remains one of the leading contributors to the country’s overall inflation rate.

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have repeatedly urged the government to take decisive action, including tackling insecurity in farming regions, providing adequate funding for rural agricultural development, and improving market access for farmers.

As the Ministry of Agriculture recalibrates its approach, Nigerians remain eager to see more actionable plans that will directly address the food insecurity plaguing households across the country.