1 in every 7 Nigerians could face hunger in 2026
The big number
According to UN agencies, about 34.7–35 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026, during the annual lean season.
That’s one of the highest hunger figures in the world today.
How bad is it?
About 1.6 million people could face Emergency-level hunger (IPC Phase 4).
About 15,000 people in parts of Borno are at risk of Catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5). At this level, lives are in danger.
Why is this happening?
The crisis is being driven by a combination of:
- insecurity and conflict
- rising food prices
- climate shocks
- disrupted supply chains
- reduced humanitarian funding
Where is it worst?
The North-East remains the epicentre of the crisis.
Most affected states:
- Borno
- Adamawa
- Yobe
Years of insurgency and displacement have made farming and food access extremely difficult.
Beyond the North-East
Food insecurity is also increasing in parts of:
- Katsina
- Sokoto
- Zamfara
- Kaduna
- Kebbi
- Benue
- Niger
- Plateau
Many communities are dealing with insecurity, flooding and reduced agricultural production.
Who is mostly at risk?
- children under five
- pregnant and nursing mothers
- displaced families
- smallholder farmers
- low-income households
The UN warns that about 6.4 million children could suffer acute malnutrition this year.
Nigeria’s biggest food problem
The issue isn’t just food production.
It’s food access.
Millions cannot safely farm, afford food, transport food or access enough support.
Reality check
Nigeria has some of Africa’s largest agricultural resources, yet millions still struggle to feed themselves.
This shows that hunger is not just about growing food, it’s also about security, affordability and access.
Finally,
If up to 35 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger today, what happens if insecurity, inflation and climate shocks continue to worsen?
Let’s hear your thoughts.