Lagos State has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria, accounting for 10,430 of the 102,025 cases reported nationwide in 2025, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The figures, contained in the ministry’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, highlight the continued challenge posed by HIV despite ongoing efforts to expand testing, treatment and public awareness across the country.
According to the report, Rivers State ranked second with 6,287 new infections, followed by Kano with 6,106 cases. Akwa Ibom recorded 5,413 new infections, while Taraba and Benue reported 4,854 and 4,804 cases respectively. Anambra also recorded a high burden with 4,468 cases.
Kaduna registered 3,659 new infections during the period, while Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory recorded 2,989 and 2,764 cases respectively. Cross River, Sokoto, Abia, Imo, Delta, Borno, Ogun, Plateau, Niger and Ebonyi each reported more than 2,000 new infections.
At the lower end of the scale, Ekiti recorded the fewest new HIV infections with 462 cases. Bayelsa reported 982 cases, while Gombe, Osun, Kwara, Enugu, Yobe, Katsina and Kebbi all recorded fewer than 1,600 infections.
Public health experts say the figures reflect the need for sustained investment in HIV prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment. They also stressed the importance of combating stigma, which remains a major barrier preventing many Nigerians from seeking testing and care.
Although Nigeria has made significant progress in expanding access to antiretroviral therapy and reducing AIDS-related deaths over the past decade, health authorities warn that new infections remain a major concern, particularly in densely populated and economically active states.
The Federal Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening HIV response programmes through collaboration with state governments, development partners and community-based organisations. It urged Nigerians to embrace regular HIV testing, adopt preventive measures and support people living with HIV to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
