36.2 Million Nigerians Face Hunger as Children Bear the Brunt, Save the Children Warns
About 36.2 million Nigerians are expected to face acute food and nutrition insecurity during the 2026 lean season, with children among those at greatest risk, according to Save the Children International.
Speaking at the Humanitarian Xchange Abuja 2026 conference, the organisation’s Country Director, Duncan Harvey, said the latest Cadre Harmonisé analysis projects that millions of people across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory will experience severe food shortages between June and August.
Harvey warned that the crisis could have devastating consequences for children, whose health, growth and development are already being threatened by conflict, displacement, climate shocks and rising food prices.
He disclosed that about two million people are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, while more than 10,000 people in Borno State could experience catastrophic hunger if urgent intervention is not provided.
“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,” he said.
Child protection experts note that hunger exposes children to increased risks of severe malnutrition, illness, interrupted education, exploitation, child labour and other safeguarding concerns as struggling families adopt desperate survival strategies.
Harvey called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, humanitarian organisations, donors and local partners to ensure timely assistance reaches vulnerable families before the situation worsens.
He also warned that shrinking global humanitarian funding is limiting relief efforts at a time when needs continue to rise.
Save the Children urged stakeholders to prioritise children in emergency response plans, stressing that protecting children from hunger is essential to safeguarding their health, dignity and future.
