ABUJA:A call by Nigeria’s agriculture ministry for staff to pray and fast to help solve the country’s food shortages has stirred public outcry and online debate.
An internal memo from the Ministry of Agriculture urged employees to take part in prayer sessions and fasting on the next three Mondays. The request was framed as a way to support efforts toward food security in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians have expressed frustration, questioning whether the government is truly committed to addressing the rising cost of food and deepening hunger across the country.
In response, the ministry issued a press release on Saturday, clarifying that the prayer sessions are not an official policy for handling food insecurity. Instead, they are aimed at improving staff morale and wellbeing.
“The same way we encourage physical exercise and health check-ups, prayer is part of staff wellness, the statement explained.
According to the United Nations, around 4.4 million people in Nigeria face food scarcity. The nation is currently enduring its worst economic crisis in decades, driven by policy changes introduced in 2023.
Prices of essential food items have skyrocketed, leading to major cost-of-living protests. For instance, yam prices have quadrupled in just one year.
Critics argue that turning to prayer suggests the government is avoiding its responsibilities and relying on spiritual intervention instead of practical solutions.
However, officials maintain that real steps are being taken. These include the distribution of over 1,000 tractors and more than two million bags of fertilizer to support local farmers.
Online reactions have ranged from ridicule to anger. Some suggested replacing ministry officials with religious leaders, while others simply called the situation a joke.
