PRAYER IS NOT POLICY: NIGERIA'S FOOD CRISIS DEMANDS RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE, NOT PRAYER AND FASTING ASSEMBLIES

 PRAYER IS NOT POLICY: NIGERIA'S FOOD CRISIS DEMANDS RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE, NOT PRAYER AND FASTING ASSEMBLIES

By Daniel Okonkwo

Nigeria’s food crisis is not the result of insufficient prayer—it is the product of years of neglect, poor planning, and lack of political will. While it is entirely appropriate for individuals and communities to seek divine guidance, it is irresponsible for national institutions to present prayer as a primary solution to hunger. Leaders must lead. Nigeria needs policies, not piety; strategy, not symbolism

Nigeria is currently grappling with one of the most severe food crises in its history. With millions of people lacking access to sufficient food, according to United Nations estimates, the situation has reached critical levels. While spirituality plays a vital role in the lives of many Nigerians, the alarming rise in hunger and the cost of living cannot be solved by prayer alone. What Nigeria needs now is not symbolic gestures, but robust, well-implemented government policies rooted in economic planning, transparency, and infrastructure development.

Recently, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security came under intense public scrutiny after a leaked internal memo revealed plans for staff-wide fasting and prayer sessions to seek divine intervention in ending the nation’s food insecurity. The memo, signed by the ministry’s Director of Human Resource Management, urged directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and value chain desk officers to participate in weekly spiritual gatherings on June 16, 23, and 30, 2025. Tagged “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” the initiative was met with widespread criticism.

Many Nigerians interpreted the move as a deflection of responsibility—an attempt to spiritualize a systemic governance failure. In response to public backlash, the ministry later suspended the planned spiritual exercise "until further notice," not to explain the abrupt reversal.

It is important to acknowledge the role of prayer and spirituality in personal and national life. Prayer can offer solace, hope, and unity. However, in the context of governance, especially when addressing critical issues such as hunger and economic hardship, faith must complement—not substitute—policy. God has given humans the knowledge, wisdom, and resources to solve problems. When leaders retreat to religious symbolism instead of action, it signals a lack of accountability and effective leadership.

Asking God to do the job of elected and appointed officials is not only improper; it reflects an abdication of duty. Responsible leadership requires proactive engagement with real-world challenges. Nigeria’s food scarcity is not spiritual in origin—it is a consequence of poor governance, endemic corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues have long hindered the development, production, and distribution of food across the country.

The country’s worsening food crisis is fueled by multiple, interconnected factors:

Poor Governance and Corruption: Weak institutions and widespread mismanagement have consistently undermined efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and food distribution. Corrupt practices in subsidy programs, fertilizer distribution, and procurement have derailed meaningful progress.

Inadequate Infrastructure: The lack of accessible rural roads, proper storage facilities, irrigation systems, and efficient transportation networks continues to cripple the food supply chain. Food that is produced often goes to waste due to these logistical challenges.

Rising Inflation: Nigeria’s inflation rate has steadily eroded the purchasing power of its citizens. Even when food is available in the market, many can no longer afford it. A glaring example is the cost of yams and rice, which quadrupled in price within a year, becoming a stark symbol of the cost-of-living crisis.

Conflict and Insecurity: Armed conflict and political instability have forced thousands to flee their homes, disrupting agricultural activities in key food-producing states. In Benue State—long considered Nigeria’s food basket—persistent conflict between local communities and herders has significantly reduced farming activity, deepening the crisis.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s recent actions suggest a worrying disconnect between government officials and the lived realities of ordinary Nigerians. Critics have mockingly suggested that pastors and imams be appointed to lead ministries, given the apparent preference for spiritual over strategic solutions. This sentiment highlights growing public frustration with leadership that seems reactive and symbolic rather than results-driven.

In defense, the ministry issued a statement downplaying the prayer initiative as merely an internal wellness exercise and not an official government policy. However, the damage to public perception had already been done.

To be fair, officials have made some attempts to address the crisis. The ministry claims to have distributed over 1,000 tractors and more than two million bags of fertilizer to support farmers. While such efforts are commendable, they fall short of addressing the systemic issues that continue to paralyze the agricultural sector.

Solving Nigeria’s food crisis requires a national strategy rooted in data, supported by modern technology, and executed with accountability. This includes ensuring security for farmers, investing in climate-smart agriculture, repairing damaged infrastructure, promoting agro-processing, and supporting smallholder farmers with grants, not just loans.

Only through bold reforms, transparency, and genuine commitment to agricultural transformation can Nigeria overcome its food security challenges and restore dignity to its people.

Daniel Okonkwo is a Nigerian writer, public affairs analyst, and human rights advocate. He has authored numerous investigative and advocacy articles on governance, justice, and social development. Daniel is known for his incisive critiques of national policies and dedication to amplifying the voices of underserved communities. He writes for Profile International Human Rights Advocate and continues to push for reforms through informed narratives and civic engagement.

PRAYER IS NOT POLICY: NIGERIA'S FOOD CRISIS DEMANDS RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE, NOT PRAYER AND FASTING ASSEMBLIES