The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security says its declaration of a three-day fasting and prayer programme is not for food security.
In an internal circular dated June 11, Adedayo Modupe, the ministry’s director of human resource management, said the spiritual exercise is intended to seek God’s guidance for Nigeria’s food security efforts.
Modupe said all members of staff of the ministry are expected to observe fasting and participate in prayer sessions.
“This is to invite all staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food security,” the circular reads.
“The theme of the session is ‘Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development’.
“The prayers will hold at Conference Hall ‘B’ of the FMAFS headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on each scheduled date.”
News of the directive resulted in a backlash from Nigerians, with many saying the move was inappropriate as citizens grappled with rising food prices and widespread hunger.
However, clarifying the directive in a statement on Saturday, the ministry said the prayer session exercise is not an official policy to address the country’s agricultural and food security challenges.
According to NTA, the ministry said the prayer session is an initiative of the human resources department to promote the staff’s well-being.
The ministry said the move is similar to the already established medical checkups, monthly aerobic exercises and the gymnasium intended for physical fitness of staff members.
The statement noted that the ministers and the management team are working to ensure food and nutrition security for the country in accordance with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.