Federal Gov’t Suspends Controversial 3-Day National Prayer for Food Security

 The Federal Government of Nigeria has abruptly suspended the much-publicized three-day national prayer and fasting program organized to address the worsening food insecurity crisis gripping the nation. The decision, announced late Friday evening, has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens who saw the event as both symbolic and spiritually significant.

The nationwide prayer initiative, which was initially scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 17, was widely promoted by government spokespersons, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development co-organizing the event alongside the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The program had aimed to “seek divine intervention for the food crisis currently affecting millions of Nigerians,” as stated in earlier press releases. But with less than 24 hours to go, the government reversed course, citing “logistical concerns and the need to adopt more practical and immediate solutions.”

Critics argue that the suspension is a sign of governmental indecision and a deeper failure to address the structural issues behind Nigeria’s food crisis. Bishop Matthew Olukoya, a prominent Christian cleric who was scheduled to lead one of the sessions, condemned the cancellation as “a disheartening betrayal of faith-based collaboration” and “an insult to millions who look to God in times of national distress.”

Imam Yusuf Suleiman, a leading Islamic scholar, echoed similar sentiments: “If prayers were deemed necessary yesterday, why are they considered irrelevant today? This U-turn shows that the government is not sincere.”

The National Association of Nigerian Farmers (NANF) also expressed dismay, labeling the move as “insensitive” at a time when food scarcity, inflation, and insecurity have pushed millions into hunger and poverty.

Although the official statement framed the suspension as a logistical and strategic reassessment, insiders within the Presidency suggest that political pressure may have influenced the decision. Some high-ranking officials reportedly questioned the optics of relying on spiritual solutions in the face of what they described as “a man-made, policy-driven problem.” Others warned that the prayer initiative could be seen as an admission of failure to implement actionable food policies.

An anonymous aide close to the Minister of Agriculture told this reporter: “Some stakeholders believe the government would appear unserious by turning to prayer without showing concrete efforts to boost production, subsidize inputs, or protect farmers from bandits.

The government’s sudden reversal has further fueled public skepticism about its commitment to tackling food insecurity head-on. With Nigeria ranking among the top five countries facing acute food shortages, according to recent UN data, citizens have grown weary of platitudes and symbolic gestures. The cancellation, for many, reinforces the belief that the administration lacks a clear, cohesive strategy to combat the crisis.

Social media has erupted with mixed reactions. The hashtag #PrayThenAct began trending hours after the announcement, with many users urging the government not to pit spiritual responsibility against policy-making, but to embrace both

As the backlash intensifies, the government faces renewed pressure to articulate a tangible plan for food security that includes emergency food distribution, agricultural reforms, and rural protection. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have seized on the incident to question the competence of the current administration.

“Whether it is prayer or policy, this government seems confused about where to begin,” said Senator Adaeze Mba, a vocal opposition lawmaker. “What Nigeria needs is decisive leadership, not indecision disguised as strategy.”

The fate of the prayer program remains unclear, with officials suggesting it may be rescheduled or replaced with a more action-oriented national initiative. Until then, Nigerians are left to wonder: in the fight against hunger, will faith and food finally align—

or will politics keep them apart?