The United Nations World Food Programme has warned that El Niño weather pattern may push nearly six million additional people in West and Central Africa into hunger by end of 2027.

WFP gave the warning in a report on Wednesday, analysing the humanitarian impacts of the 2026–2027 El Niño event across vulnerable countries already trapped in food insecurity.

“West and Central Africa are also at risk with food insecurity projected to increase by 12 percent, affecting nearly 6 million additional people,” the report said.

El Niño is a natural climate pattern characterised by strange warming of surface waters in the Central and Eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Its effects are felt across Asia, Africa and other regions.

According to the agency, drought, flooding, and extreme heat are threatening livelihoods and increasing the risk of hunger across vulnerable communities.

WFP explained that countries contending with poverty, conflict, economic instability, and repeated climate shocks could be most hit by the weather pattern.

Carl Skau, WFP’s Acting Executive Director, said, “El Niño is a massive threat to the food security of millions who are already vulnerable.”

Mr Skau stressed the need for preparedness to save lives and protect livelihoods. 

The warning came amid worsening food insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in communities ravaged by conflict and insecurity. 

In April, the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises also warned that drought and shrinking aid would keep global hunger at critical levels in 2026.

The report added that Nigeria alone was projected to see one of the largest increases in food insecurity in 2026, with 4.1 million more people expected to face acute hunger.