Millions of Nigerians Face Acute Hunger, UN Reports

The United Nations has reported that millions of Nigerians are facing acute hunger, with approximately 35 million people nationwide expected to experience food insecurity during the lean season from June to August. This situation has made Nigeria one of the countries with the largest hunger crises globally, particularly affecting northern regions.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has indicated that many families will be forced to reduce meal sizes, sell assets, or withdraw children from school due to the overwhelming burden of hunger. The report estimates that 6.4 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition across Northwest and Northeast Nigeria this year.

The UN and its humanitarian partners are appealing for urgent funding to scale life-saving assistance, with a current humanitarian response plan prioritizing $516 million. However, only 40 percent of the required $215 million has been received so far.