Amanze Chinonye
The United Nations has warned that nearly 35 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, raising concerns over what humanitarian agencies describe as one of the country’s worst hunger crises in a decade.
The warning was issued by the World Food Programme (WFP), which said escalating violence, climate shocks, economic hardship and declining humanitarian funding are pushing millions closer to severe hunger and malnutrition.
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According to the agency, the projected figure represents one of the highest levels of hunger ever recorded in Nigeria, with the crisis expected to peak between June and September 2026.
Nigeria’s northeast region, particularly Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, remains the epicentre of the emergency, where nearly 5.8 million people are already facing severe food insecurity.
The WFP further warned that about 15,000 people in parts of Borno State risk slipping into catastrophic hunger conditions, classified as IPC Phase 5 the most severe level of food insecurity and one step away from famine.
The UN said worsening insurgent attacks across northern Nigeria have displaced millions of residents, disrupted farming activities and weakened local food systems.
“Now is not the time to stop food assistance,” WFP Nigeria Country Director David Stevenson said, warning that aid cuts could trigger “catastrophic humanitarian, security and economic consequences.”
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Humanitarian agencies have also raised alarm over worsening malnutrition among children and women.
The WFP said children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states, are among the most vulnerable, with nutrition levels deteriorating rapidly amid funding shortages.
Reuters reported that nearly three million Nigerian children are currently facing severe malnutrition as global humanitarian funding continues to decline.
The crisis has been compounded by economic instability, rising inflation, climate-related disasters and persistent insecurity affecting agricultural production across several parts of the country.
Humanitarian assessments showed that the devastating 2024 floods destroyed farmlands and displaced large populations, worsening food shortages nationwide.
The WFP also warned that it may soon suspend large-scale emergency food operations in parts of Nigeria because of funding shortfalls.
According to the agency, at least 1.3 million vulnerable Nigerians risk losing access to emergency food and nutrition support if urgent funding is not secured. The organisation said it requires about $129 million to sustain operations through mid-2026.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall warned that Nigeria’s humanitarian response system is under severe pressure due to shrinking donor contributions and increasing humanitarian needs.
Meanwhile, humanitarian monitoring groups and food security analysts have ranked Nigeria among the countries facing the world’s most severe hunger emergencies in 2026.
A recent global hunger assessment identified Nigeria as one of the countries with the largest populations experiencing acute food insecurity, with conflict, inflation and displacement cited as major drivers of the worsening crisis.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
