Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections in 2025 across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, according to a new government health report that underscores the persistence of the epidemic despite years of intensified prevention efforts.
Lagos State recorded the highest number of new cases at 10,430, emerging as the epicentre of the latest surge.
Rivers State and Kano State followed, with 6,287 and 6,106 infections respectively, reflecting the continued spread across major population centres.
At the other end of the scale, Ekiti State reported the lowest figure, with 462 new cases, offering a limited sign of progress in containment.
Health officials say the figures highlight how HIV remains a major public health challenge across Africa’s most populous country.
Experts are warning that declining international donor funding could threaten progress made over decades in expanding access to life-saving treatment and prevention services.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS is continuing to scale up free testing programmes and efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Authorities are also working towards global targets aimed at ensuring 95 percent of people living with HIV achieve viral suppression.
However, officials acknowledge that Nigeria remains at a fragile point in its response, as the country pushes to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.