Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections in 2025, with Lagos leading nationwide. The report highlights state-by-state figures and ongoing prevention challenges.
Fresh data released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed that HIV infections remain a major public health concern across Nigeria, with more than 100,000 new cases documented in 2025 despite years of awareness campaigns and treatment interventions.
According to the ministry’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, a total of 102,025 people were newly diagnosed with HIV across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The latest figures provide a detailed snapshot of the disease’s spread and indicate that HIV infections continue to affect every region of the country.
The report, which contains a state-by-state breakdown of new cases, shows that Lagos State recorded the highest number of fresh infections during the year.
Health experts say the figures demonstrate the need for sustained investment in testing, treatment, prevention and public education, particularly in states with a large population.
Lagos tops national chart
Lagos accounted for 10,430 newly recorded cases, making it the state with the highest burden of new infections in 2025.
While the state remains Nigeria’s commercial hub with one of the country’s largest populations, the figures also reflect the continued challenge of reducing transmission in densely populated urban centres.
Rivers State ranked second after recording 6,287 new cases, while Kano followed closely with 6,106 infections.
Akwa Ibom reported 5,413 new cases, placing fourth on the list. Taraba followed with 4,854 infections, while Benue registered 4,804 new cases. Anambra also recorded a high number with 4,468 infections.
Kaduna State documented 3,659 fresh cases, while Adamawa reported 2,989 infections. The Federal Capital Territory completed the top ten with 2,764 new cases.
The ministry’s figures indicate that HIV infections remain widespread across both northern and southern Nigeria, reinforcing the need for coordinated responses at federal and state levels.
States with over 2,000 new cases
Beyond the top ten, several states also recorded more than 2,000 newly confirmed infections during the reporting year.
Cross River registered 2,595 cases, narrowly ahead of Sokoto with 2,592. Abia recorded 2,546 infections, while Imo reported 2,537.
Delta followed with 2,469 cases, Borno recorded 2,311, Ogun had 2,107, Plateau reported 2,084, Niger documented 2,020, and Ebonyi recorded 2,015 new infections.
Although these states did not lead the national rankings, the numbers suggest that the epidemic remains active in many parts of the country.
States with fewer reported infections
At the lower end of the report, Ekiti recorded the fewest new HIV cases in Nigeria, with 462 infections.
Bayelsa followed with 982 new cases, while Gombe and Osun reported 1,083 and 1,093 infections respectively.
Kwara registered 1,371 cases, Enugu recorded 1,429, Yobe documented 1,483, Katsina reported 1,541, while Kebbi accounted for 1,572 new infections.
Public health specialists caution that lower reported figures do not necessarily mean the disease is less prevalent in those states. Testing rates, healthcare access, reporting systems and public awareness can all influence the number of officially confirmed cases.
Renewed focus on prevention
Nigeria has made significant progress over the past decade by expanding access to antiretroviral treatment, improving HIV testing services and strengthening public awareness campaigns.
However, the latest report shows that new transmissions continue to occur in substantial numbers.
Health professionals have repeatedly stressed that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes.
They also encourage routine testing for people at risk, adherence to prescribed medication for those living with HIV, and greater community awareness to combat stigma.
The Federal Ministry of Health continues to work alongside international partners and local organisations to improve prevention programmes, expand access to healthcare services and strengthen surveillance systems across the country.
As Nigeria seeks to achieve global targets for ending the HIV epidemic, the latest report serves as a reminder that sustained funding, stronger public education and wider access to testing and treatment will remain essential in reducing HIV infections and protecting vulnerable populations.
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