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United Nations Raises Alarm Over Severe Hunger Crisis Set To Hit Nigeria In 2026

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The UN warned that the insurgency across northern Nigeria is pushing hunger to unprecedented levels and threatening regional stability.

In a statement released by the WFP on Tuesday, it quoted the latest Cadre Harmonize, which shows that nearly 35 million Nigerians are projected to face severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, marking the highest number ever recorded in the country.

In northern Nigeria, the lean season typically runs from June to August.

This is the period immediately preceding the main harvest, when food stocks from the previous harvest are dwindling, prices are high, and many households face food insecurity.

In war-torn zones, insecurity caused by insurgent attacks prevents farmers from planting, tending, or harvesting crops safely.

The surge in attacks by armed groups has intensified throughout 2025. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, reportedly carried out its first attack in Nigeria last month, while the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) continues to expand across the Sahel.

“Communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and economic stress,” said WFP Country Director and Representative in Nigeria, David Stevenson.

He added, “If we can’t keep families fed and food insecurity at bay, growing desperation could fuel increased instability, with insurgent groups exploiting hunger to expand their influence, creating a security threat that extends across West Africa and beyond.”

Rural farming communities in northern Nigeria are the hardest hit.

Nearly six million people in conflict zones across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states are expected to face crisis-level hunger or worse during the 2026 lean season from June to August.

Borno State alone could see about 15,000 people confronting catastrophic hunger, equivalent to famine-like conditions. Children in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara remain particularly vulnerable, with malnutrition rates reaching alarming levels

The crisis is exacerbated by severe funding shortfalls that limit WFP’s capacity to deliver lifesaving assistance.

Nearly one million people in the northeast depend on WFP’s food and nutrition programs, yet scaling down in July affected over 300,000 children. In areas where clinics closed, malnutrition levels worsened from “serious” to “critical” in the third quarter of the year.

Despite the growing need, WFP warns it will run out of resources for emergency food and nutrition assistance by December.

Without urgent funding, millions will face hunger in 2026, deepening the crisis and heightening the risk of further instability in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Stevenson emphasised the urgency, “This is not just a humanitarian issue, it is a security issue that requires immediate global attention. Millions of lives are at stake, and action must be taken now to prevent further catastrophe.”

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Shettima Steps Aside from Office After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Gov Announces 19 New Appointments

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of 19 new permanent secretaries and the redeployment of 14 others across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state civil service.

The state Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu-Maimota, made this known through a statement released on Tuesday, August 4, in Kano, signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment in her office, Rukayya Uba-Sulaiman.

Uba-Sulaiman said the new appointments followed the recent promotion of qualified directors to the rank of permanent secretary, with the aim of strengthening government operations and improving service delivery across state agencies.

“The posting follows the recent upliftment of some deserving Directors to the position of Permanent Secretaries, which was aimed at re-strengthening the machinery of Government for an effective and efficient service delivery,” the statement read.

The statement conveyed the governor’s approval directly, noting that the exercise was designed to reposition the civil service for greater efficiency under the current administration.

Newly appointed permanent secretaries were urged to carry out their duties with diligence and competence in support of the government’s broader objectives, Punch reported.

According to the statement, the postings take immediate effect. All handover processes between outgoing and incoming officers are expected to be concluded no later than Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Uba-Sulaiman described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility and selfless service to the people of Kano State, Vanguard reported.

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