By Gloria Drealomalicha
Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025.
The report, obtained by The PUNCH, revealed that Lagos State accounted for the highest number of new infections, with 10,430 cases. Rivers followed with 6,287 cases, while Kano recorded 6,106, making the three states the worst affected in terms of new HIV infections during the year.
The findings provide a state-by-state picture of the continued spread of HIV across the country, underscoring the challenges that remain despite years of awareness campaigns, prevention programmes and treatment initiatives by the Federal Government and its development partners.
Akwa Ibom recorded 5,413 new infections, followed by Taraba with 4,854 and Benue with 4,804. Anambra reported 4,468 cases, while Kaduna recorded 3,659.
Adamawa registered 2,989 new infections, and the Federal Capital Territory accounted for 2,764 cases, completing the list of the 10 states and territories with the highest number of new HIV infections in 2025.
Several other states also recorded significant numbers, including Cross River (2,595), Sokoto (2,592), Abia (2,546), Imo (2,537), Delta (2,469), Borno (2,311), Ogun (2,107), Plateau (2,084), Niger (2,020) and Ebonyi (2,015).
At the other end of the scale, Ekiti recorded the fewest new infections with 462 cases. Bayelsa reported 982, while Gombe and Osun recorded 1,083 and 1,093 cases respectively. Kwara had 1,371 cases, Enugu 1,429, Yobe 1,483, Katsina 1,541 and Kebbi 1,572.
The latest figures highlight that HIV remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria and point to the need for sustained prevention efforts, expanded testing and improved access to treatment to curb the spread of the virus.
In March, the Federal Executive Council approved a proposal from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at strengthening HIV treatment services nationwide.
Speaking after the council meeting, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the approval covered the procurement of antiretroviral drugs to sustain the Presidential Treatment Programme for people living with HIV/AIDS.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to its policy of providing free antiretroviral medication for people living with HIV.
Nigeria has also taken steps to improve HIV prevention by receiving 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medicine designed to prevent HIV infection.
Mohammed Patiko, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, said the shipment forms part of 52,000 doses expected in three batches under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
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