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Lagos State has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria, according to the latest State of the Health of the Nation Report released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The report revealed that Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections in 2025, highlighting the continued challenge of controlling the spread of the virus despite years of awareness campaigns and treatment programmes across the country.
Data from the report showed that Lagos accounted for 10,430 new infections, the highest figure among all states and the Federal Capital Territory. Rivers State followed with 6,287 cases, while Kano recorded 6,106 new infections. Other states with high numbers included Akwa Ibom with 5,413 cases, Taraba with 4,854, Benue with 4,804, and Anambra with 4,468 infections.
The report also listed Kaduna, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory among the areas with a significant HIV burden, recording 3,659, 2,989 and 2,764 new infections respectively.
Health experts say the latest statistics demonstrate that HIV remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in highly populated urban centres where the risk of transmission is often higher. They stressed the importance of expanding access to testing services, preventive measures and treatment programmes to curb the spread of the virus.
The Federal Government, through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and other health agencies, has continued efforts to reduce new infections by promoting regular testing, public awareness campaigns and access to antiretroviral drugs for people living with HIV.
Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest number of people living with HIV in Africa. However, health authorities have reported progress in recent years through improved treatment coverage and stronger collaboration with international partners.
Despite these gains, the latest figures indicate that more work is needed to reduce new infections and achieve the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The report serves as a reminder of the need for sustained investment in prevention, education and healthcare services across the country.
Source: The Cable