Lagos Leads as Nigeria Reports 102,025 New HIV Infection

The state reported 10,430 new cases, according to data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025. Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the year.

Rivers State ranked second with 6,287 new infections. Kano followed with 6,106 cases.

The figures show where Nigeria detected the highest number of new cases. They do not mean those states have the highest HIV prevalence.

Top 10 States With Highest New HIV Cases

The ministry’s data placed Lagos, Rivers and Kano at the top of the list.

The top 10 are:

1. Lagos: 10,430
2. Rivers: 6,287
3. Kano: 6,106
4. Akwa Ibom: 5,413
5. Taraba: 4,854
6. Benue: 4,804
7. Anambra: 4,468
8. Kaduna: 3,659
9. Adamawa: 2,989
10. Federal Capital Territory: 2,764

These states accounted for a large share of the country’s newly reported infections in 2025.

What The Numbers Really Mean

Lagos topping the list does not automatically mean it has the worst HIV situation in Nigeria.

The state has a large population, high urban activity and wider access to health facilities. These factors can increase testing and reporting.

A state with stronger testing systems may record more cases than a state where many people do not test.

This is why public health experts often separate “newly reported infections” from “prevalence”.

Newly reported infections show the number of cases detected within a period. Prevalence shows the share of a population living with HIV.

Nigeria’s national HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 remains about 1.3%, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.

Other States Above 2,000 Cases

Several other states also recorded more than 2,000 new HIV infections in 2025.

They include Cross River with 2,595 cases, Sokoto with 2,592, Abia with 2,546 and Imo with 2,537.

Delta recorded 2,469 cases. Borno followed with 2,311. Ogun recorded 2,107, while Plateau had 2,084.

Niger recorded 2,020 cases, while Ebonyi reported 2,015.

These figures show that the burden cuts across different regions.

States With Lower Reported Cases

Ekiti recorded the lowest number of newly reported HIV infections, with 462 cases.

Bayelsa followed with 982 cases. Gombe recorded 1,083, while Osun reported 1,093.

Kwara had 1,371 cases. Enugu recorded 1,429. Yobe had 1,483, while Katsina reported 1,541.

Kebbi recorded 1,572 cases.

Lower figures may reflect fewer infections, weaker testing coverage or lower reporting. They should not lead to complacency.

Why Lagos’ Figure Matters

Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital. It attracts people from every part of the country.

Its population size, mobility and urban lifestyle can affect health reporting patterns.

The state also has more health facilities and testing centres than many parts of the country. This can lead to higher case detection.

The bigger issue is not only that Lagos recorded the highest figure. The bigger issue is that Nigeria still recorded more than 100,000 new infections in one year.

That shows the country must keep investing in testing, treatment and prevention.

Nigeria’s HIV Burden Remains Serious

Nigeria remains one of the countries with a major HIV burden.

NACA says Nigeria has an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV. It also places adult prevalence at about 1.3%.

The country has made progress in awareness, testing and treatment. But many people still do not know their status.

Some people also avoid testing because of fear, stigma or lack of access to health services.

That stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to HIV control.

Expert View

The 2025 figures should push government and health partners to focus on targeted intervention.

States with high numbers need stronger testing, treatment access and public awareness.

But Nigeria must avoid turning the data into stigma against any state or group.

High case detection can also mean the health system is finding more people who need care.

The better response is not panic. It is stronger public health action.

Nigeria should expand community testing, protect patient privacy and improve access to treatment. It should also increase education in schools, workplaces and communities.

The country cannot reduce new infections if people are afraid to test.

What This Means For Nigerians

The latest data sends a clear message: HIV is still a public-health issue in Nigeria.

People should not treat HIV as a distant problem. They should also not treat it as a death sentence.

With early testing and proper treatment, people living with HIV can live healthy lives.

The government must now match the data with action.

States with high numbers need stronger prevention campaigns. States with lower figures also need better surveillance to ensure cases are not being missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state recorded the highest HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025?

Lagos recorded the highest number of newly reported HIV infections, with 10,430 cases.

How many new HIV infections did Nigeria record in 2025?

Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Which states made the top three?

Lagos ranked first, Rivers ranked second and Kano ranked third.

Does this mean Lagos has the highest HIV prevalence?

Not necessarily. The figures show newly reported infections, not overall prevalence. Population size, testing access and reporting systems can affect the numbers.

What is Nigeria’s national HIV prevalence?

Nigeria’s adult HIV prevalence is about 1.3%, according to NACA.

How many people are living with HIV in Nigeria?

NACA estimates that about 1.9 million people live with HIV in Nigeria.

What should Nigeria do next?

Nigeria should expand testing, improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and target prevention programmes in high-burden areas.