Abuja, Nigeria – June 14, 2025
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its earlier directive calling for a three-day national prayer and fasting session to address food insecurity in the country.
This reversal comes amid widespread public criticism and concerns from stakeholders who described the move as insufficient in the face of worsening hunger and high food prices.
In a statement issued Friday evening by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mrs. Titi Akinwunmi, the government clarified that while spiritual support is welcome, “concrete and strategic agricultural interventions” remain the priority.
“The Ministry acknowledges the importance of faith-based support but has decided to suspend the earlier announcement to focus fully on pragmatic policy actions, including ramping up food production, storage, and distribution,” the statement read.
The initial call for prayers had attracted backlash from civil society groups and agricultural unions, who demanded action rather than symbolism.
The ministry has since rolled out emergency support for smallholder farmers and promised accelerated implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme to combat hunger and boost productivity.
Stakeholders are urging the federal government to remain focused on sustainable agricultural policies and food price regulation to prevent further hardship.
