35 million Nigerians risk acute hunger in coming months — UN

The United Nations has raised alarm over a worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria, warning that about 35 million people could face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026.
In a statement released on Friday, the UN Humanitarian Country Team in New York said Nigeria is battling a deepening food crisis as the lean season approaches. According to the organisation, nearly one out of every seven Nigerians is expected to struggle with severe hunger during the period.
The UN noted that northern Nigeria remains the hardest hit, making the country one of the largest hunger hotspots globally.
It further warned that delays in humanitarian assistance could force millions of families to skip more meals, sell off valuable assets, and withdraw their children from school, creating long-term social and economic consequences.
The organisation also revealed that an estimated 6.4 million children across the North-West and North-East regions are likely to suffer acute malnutrition this year.
Calling for urgent intervention, the UN appealed for increased funding to support life-saving humanitarian operations in the country.
According to the latest humanitarian response update, only 215 million dollars has been received out of the 516 million dollars required for the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, representing just over 40 per cent of the total funding needed.
(NAN)