Lagos State recorded the highest number of newly detected HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025, with 2,298 new cases, according to the latest national HIV surveillance data.
Benue followed with 1,949 cases, while Akwa Ibom (1,159), Rivers (1,137), and Anambra (1,013) completed the top five states with the highest number of new infections.
Despite having a lower HIV prevalence rate than states like Benue and Rivers, Lagos continues to record the highest number of new cases due to its large population, rapid urbanisation, and extensive HIV testing network. The state also has one of the country’s largest treatment programmes, with about 137,000 people currently receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Nationally, HIV prevalence among adults aged 15–49 stands at 2.1%, with the South-South region recording the highest prevalence at 3.1%, while the North-West has the lowest at 0.6%. Benue remains the state with the highest adult HIV prevalence at 5.7%, followed by Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Taraba.
Health experts say the latest figures highlight the need for continued investment in HIV prevention, early testing, and treatment. The Federal Government, through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has expanded free HIV testing, treatment, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programmes as part of efforts to reduce new infections.
Nigeria is also working towards the global 95-95-95 targets, with experts stressing that increased funding, sustained public awareness, and improved access to prevention services are essential to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030