The figures, as reported by Punch, paint a detailed state-by-state picture of ongoing transmission despite years of prevention campaigns, donor-supported interventions, and expanded access to treatment.
Lagos Leads, Rivers and Kano Follow
The report shows a significant concentration of new infections in a few high-population states. Lagos State recorded the highest number with 10,430 new infections, making it the most affected in the country.
It was followed by Rivers State with 6,287 cases and Kano State with 6,106 cases, underscoring the geographic spread of the epidemic across both southern and northern regions.
Other states with high figures include Akwa Ibom (5,413), Taraba (4,854), Benue (4,804), and Anambra (4,468).
In the northern corridor, Kaduna reported 3,659 infections, while Adamawa and the FCT recorded 2,989 and 2,764 cases respectively, rounding out the top ten most affected areas.
Widespread Transmission Across States
Beyond the top-ranking states, several others recorded more than 2,000 new infections each, reflecting widespread transmission nationwide. These include Cross River (2,595), Sokoto (2,592), Abia (2,546), Imo (2,537), Delta (2,469), Borno (2,311), Ogun (2,107), Plateau (2,084), Niger (2,020), and Ebonyi (2,015).
At the lower end of the spectrum, states with comparatively fewer new infections include Ekiti (462), Bayelsa (982), Gombe (1,083), Osun (1,093), Kwara (1,371), Enugu (1,429), Yobe (1,483), Katsina (1,541), and Kebbi (1,572).
Health analysts note that while lower numbers in some states may reflect better prevention outcomes or smaller populations, the overall national figure still signals persistent gaps in testing, prevention, and behavioral interventions.
Government Response and Treatment Expansion Efforts
In response to the rising burden, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) earlier approved a memo from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at strengthening HIV treatment services across the country.
Speaking after the meeting, Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, confirmed that part of the approval was directed at sustaining access to essential medication for patients.
He said the first approval covers procurement of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to sustain the presidential treatment programme for people living with HIV/AIDS.
He also emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to treatment access, stating:
“Nigeria has a policy of providing free drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS.”
New Preventive Drug Supply and Global Fund Support
Alongside treatment expansion, Nigeria recently received 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug used for HIV prevention. The medication is seen as a significant addition to existing prevention tools, especially for high-risk populations.
Explaining the supply arrangement, Mohammed Patiko, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), noted that the delivery is part of a larger shipment.
He said the country received the 11,520 doses as part of a total 52,000 doses expected in three batches, under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
Persistent Challenges Despite Ongoing Interventions
While Nigeria continues to expand access to treatment and introduce newer preventive options, the 2025 data highlights the scale of ongoing transmission. Public health experts have consistently warned that gaps in awareness, stigma, testing coverage, and prevention uptake continue to fuel new infections.
The latest figures suggest that despite sustained government and donor efforts, Nigeria’s HIV response still faces significant challenges in curbing new transmissions nationwide.