Nations Struggle as Nigeria's Hunger Crisis Intensifies in 2026

Post by : Raina Nasser

Nigeria is on the brink of an unprecedented hunger crisis, with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) projecting that nearly 35 million people may endure extreme food insecurity by 2026. This critical situation arises from escalating militant violence, challenging economic conditions, and a sharp drop in humanitarian assistance.

Throughout 2025, violence in northern Nigeria has significantly escalated. Militant groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and al-Qaeda affiliates such as JNIM have intensified their assaults. Recently, ISWAP fighters murdered a brigadier-general, and armed bandits kidnapped over 300 Catholic school students. Other incidents include an attack on a public school, resulting in the death of a deputy head teacher and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls.

David Stevenson, the WFP country director for Nigeria, emphasized the severe risks posed by the escalating insurgency to the stability of the region. Vulnerable rural farming communities are particularly affected, with approximately 6 million people in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe currently lacking sufficient food. In Borno, around 15,000 individuals are experiencing famine-like conditions. Alarmingly, child malnutrition rates are soaring in states like Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

At present, nearly one million Nigerians rely on aid from the WFP. However, ongoing funding cuts have led to a reduction in crucial nutrition programs since July, impacting over 300,000 children. The agency has raised concerns that it will exhaust its funds for emergency food and nutrition support by December 2025, primarily due to dwindling foreign assistance from the United States and other contributors.

Without immediate financial support, millions in northeastern Nigeria risk severe hunger and a lack of essential food supplies in 2026. The hunger crisis is escalating rapidly, necessitating urgent action to avert further suffering and fatalities.