Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025, with Lagos State accounting for the highest number of new cases, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025.
The report provides a state-by-state breakdown of newly reported HIV infections, highlighting the continued burden of the virus despite years of efforts to expand access to testing, treatment and prevention services nationwide.
According to the report, Lagos recorded 10,430 new HIV infections during the year, the highest in the country. Rivers State followed with 6,287 cases, while Kano State recorded 6,106. Other states with high numbers of newly reported infections include Akwa Ibom (5,413), Taraba (4,854), Benue (4,804) and Anambra (4,468).
The report also showed that Kaduna recorded 3,659 new infections, while Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory reported 2,989 and 2,764 cases, respectively. Other states with more than 2,000 new infections included Cross River, Sokoto, Abia, Imo, Delta, Borno, Ogun, Plateau, Niger and Ebonyi.
Health experts caution that the figures represent newly reported HIV infections during the year and should not be interpreted as the overall prevalence of HIV in each state. Population size, testing coverage and access to healthcare services can significantly influence the number of cases recorded.
Despite the continued spread of the virus, Nigeria has made progress in expanding HIV treatment and prevention programmes. The Federal Government continues to provide free antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV through public health facilities and, in recent months, approved additional funding for the procurement of HIV medicines to sustain treatment nationwide. The country has also begun introducing newer HIV prevention tools through partnerships with international health organisations.
Public health authorities have reiterated the importance of regular HIV testing, early diagnosis, prompt treatment and sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce new infections and improve health outcomes.
The latest data underscore the need for intensified prevention strategies, expanded access to healthcare services and stronger community-based interventions as Nigeria continues its efforts to curb the HIV epidemic.
