The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has warned that more than 33 million Nigerians may face severe hunger and malnutrition in 2026 if urgent action is not taken.
Secretary‑General of the society, Abubakar Kende, made the warning on Friday in Abuja as the NRCS unveiled its Nutrition Advocacy Plan. The event also recognized Layla Ali Othman as Nutrition Ambassador of the society.
Kende expressed optimism that the challenge of hunger and malnutrition “could be reduced with the help of philanthropists like Ms. Othman.” He said the Plan “sets the tone for impactful action against hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria”.
According to him, the society hopes to make a significant impact with the help of its Nutrition Ambassador and other stakeholders. The Plan is designed to focus on prevention, community engagement and strengthening nutrition systems.
The looming hunger crisis is consistent with recent findings: an Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report projects that over 34 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity by mid‑2026, driven by economic pressures, insecurity and climate shocks.
The NRCS said the Nutrition Advocacy Plan will launch campaigns across states, mobilise volunteers, and partner with government and private‑sector actors to increase access to nutritious food, support vulnerable groups, and bolster emergency response.
Ambassador Layla Ali Othman thanked the society for the honour and pledged to lend her voice to raising awareness, mobilising resources, and championing the rights of the malnourished.
The NRCS urged government, donors and communities to act now to prevent millions of Nigerians from slipping into hunger, warning that without swift intervention, the looming crisis could become a humanitarian catastrophe.
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