35 Million Nigerians At Risk Of Acute Hunger, UN Warns
UN Issues Urgent Hunger Warning
THE United Nations has raised alarm that about 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute food insecurity between June and August, as the country enters its annual lean season.
The warning was issued by the United Nations Humanitarian Country Team, which described the situation as one of the world’s largest and most severe hunger crises.
Millions Facing Food Insecurity
According to the UN, nearly one in seven Nigerians could struggle with access to adequate food in the coming months, with the burden disproportionately affecting the northern region of the country.
It warned that without urgent assistance, many households may be forced to reduce meals, sell off assets, or withdraw children from school, deepening long-term hardship.
Rising Malnutrition Concerns
The report further revealed that about 6.4 million children in the North-west and North-east are at risk of acute malnutrition this year, raising additional concerns about child survival and development.
Funding Gap Worsening Response
The UN also noted that its $516 million humanitarian response plan for Nigeria in 2026 is only a little over 40 per cent funded, with about $215 million received so far as of May.
It called for urgent international support to scale up life-saving interventions before the situation worsens.
