The United Nations has warned that about 35 million Nigerians could face acute hunger between June and August 2026 as food insecurity worsens across the country.

According to the UN Humanitarian Country Team, Nigeria is heading into a severe lean season, with northern states expected to bear the heaviest burden. The organisation said nearly one in seven Nigerians may struggle to access enough food during the period.

The warning was contained in a humanitarian update released in New York on Friday and reported by Punch Newspaper.

The UN said millions of vulnerable families may be forced to skip meals, sell off valuable assets, or withdraw children from school if urgent support is not provided.

“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,” the statement read.

The agency added that an estimated 6.4 million children in North-East and North-West Nigeria are projected to suffer acute malnutrition this year.

The humanitarian body appealed for immediate international funding to expand life-saving interventions across affected communities.

According to the latest Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, only $215 million has been received out of the $516 million required for 2026 humanitarian operations in Nigeria, representing just over 40 per cent funding coverage.

The UN warned that delays in assistance could deepen hardship for millions already battling rising food prices, insecurity and displacement.