6.2m Nigerians face hunger in 2026, child rights organisation warns

Save the Children International has issued a stark warning that approximately 36.2 million Nigerians across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to face acute food and nutrition insecurity during the current 2026 lean season. This projection highlights a deepening humanitarian crisis that requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and mothers.

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36.2 million people would experience acute food and nutrition insecurity between June and August.

The organization attributes the escalating crisis to a confluence of factors, including ongoing conflict, the impacts of climate shocks, soaring food prices, and a significant reduction in global humanitarian funding. The latest Cadre Harmonisé analysis indicates that two million people could face emergency levels of food insecurity, with over 10,000 individuals in Borno State potentially facing catastrophic conditions if swift action is not implemented.

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Among them, two million people are projected to be in Emergency levels of food insecurity, while more than 10,000 people in Borno State could face catastrophic conditions if urgent action is not taken.

Children and mothers are disproportionately affected by this crisis. In Borno State alone, more than 758,000 people are anticipated to experience emergency levels of food insecurity, and malnutrition rates remain critically high in areas such as Mobbar, Nganzai, and Maiduguri. The report emphasizes that poor dietary diversity and limited access to healthcare exacerbate the situation.

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In Borno State alone, more than 758,000 people are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, while malnutrition rates remain critically high in areas such as Mobbar, Nganzai and Maiduguri.

Save the Children also highlighted the increasing strain on humanitarian operations due to global funding cuts. Country Director Duncan Harvey noted that the humanitarian landscape is becoming more complex worldwide, with rising insecurity, escalating conflicts, and worsening climate crises. He stressed that stronger coordination among governments, humanitarian organizations, donors, academia, and the private sector is crucial to effectively address Nigeria's growing humanitarian needs, as no single entity can tackle the scale of the challenges alone.

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The humanitarian landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Around the world, we are witnessing growing insecurity, escalating conflicts and worsening climate crises. At the same time, global funding cuts are placing enormous pressure on the humanitarian sector, forcing difficult choices at a moment when needs continue to rise.