20,762 Nigerians Test HIV Positive in Three Months, Lagos Leads New Cases
A total of 20,762 Nigerians were newly diagnosed as HIV positive between March and May 2026, according to data from the National Data Repository published by TheCable Index.
The figures showed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of newly detected HIV-positive cases, with 1,949 persons testing positive during the three-month period.
Akwa Ibom followed with 1,542 new cases, while Benue recorded 1,442. Anambra reported 1,331 cases, while Rivers State rounded out the top five with 1,112 newly diagnosed infections.
Other states with significant numbers of newly detected cases included Delta (753), Kaduna (725), Ogun (719), Oyo (710) and the Federal Capital Territory (639).
The data further showed that Kano recorded 626 cases, Nasarawa 607, Taraba 598, Plateau 579, Imo 577, Edo 567, Abia 520 and Cross River 508.
Enugu reported 461 cases, Adamawa 418, Kogi 390, Ondo 373, Niger 352 and Kwara 320, while Bayelsa, Kebbi, Osun, Bauchi and Ebonyi recorded 301, 299, 285, 281 and 271 cases respectively.
Borno recorded 258 new cases, followed by Zamfara (231), Gombe (213), Jigawa (206) and Katsina (199).
The lowest figures were recorded in Sokoto with 152 cases, Ekiti with 134 and Yobe with 114 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients.
Health experts have noted that higher numbers of newly diagnosed cases may not necessarily indicate higher infection rates alone, as they can also reflect increased testing, improved case detection and expanded access to HIV screening services.
Nigeria continues to make progress in HIV prevention and treatment through expanded testing programmes, public awareness campaigns and increased access to antiretroviral therapy. Public health authorities have consistently encouraged Nigerians to know their HIV status and seek treatment early, noting that prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly improve health outcomes and reduce transmission.
Top 10 States by New HIV Cases (March–May 2026)
- Lagos — 1,949
- Akwa Ibom — 1,542
- Benue — 1,442
- Anambra — 1,331
- Rivers — 1,112
- Delta — 753
- Kaduna — 725
- Ogun — 719
- Oyo — 710
- FCT — 639
Source: National Data Repository/TheCable Index.