35 Million Nigerians Face Acute Hunger, UN Warns

The United Nations has issued a warning that 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger during the upcoming lean season from June to August. This crisis is primarily concentrated in the northern regions of Nigeria, which are facing significant food insecurity.

The UN's latest report indicates that nearly seven million people nationwide will experience acute food insecurity during this period. The report highlights that 6.4 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year.

The UN has called for urgent funding to provide life-saving assistance, with a total of $516 million needed for the humanitarian response plan for 2026. However, only 40 percent of this amount has been funded, with $215 million received as of May 2026.

The ongoing crisis is forcing families to reduce meals, sell assets, and withdraw children from school, leading to long-term negative impacts on the population.