The United Nations on Friday warned that about 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger from June to August.
The UN Humanitarian Country Team in New York City said Nigeria is facing a deepening hunger crisis as the lean season approaches. “Nearly one in seven people, that is 35 million people nationwide in Nigeria, are likely to face acute food insecurity during this year’s lean season, which runs from June to August,” it said.
The report puts Nigeria among the world’s largest hunger crises, with the burden falling overwhelmingly in the north. Across North-west and North-east Nigeria, the UN said an estimated 6.4 million children are likely to be acutely malnourished this year.
“If assistance is further delayed, millions of families will be forced to reduce meals further, sell assets, or withdraw their children from school with the long-term impact that we know it has,” it said.
The UN and partners are pressing for cash. “Our partners and we are appealing for urgent funding to scale up life-saving assistance,” the global multilateral body said.
The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2026 asks for $516 million but is just over 40% funded. According to the latest report, only $215 million of the $516 million have been received as of May 2026.
