A claim suggesting that more than two million Nigerians are currently living with HIV has circulated widely online.
The post , made by Nigerian-based blog Naija PR via X (formerly Twitter), asserts that over two million people in Nigeria are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), naming Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom as the states with the highest number of cases.
The post reads: “Over 2 million people are currently living with HIV in Nigeria, and the most affected states are Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom.”
As of April 24, 2025, the post had garnered significant attention, with over 1.8 million views, 9,700 likes, 2,000 reposts, and 765 comments.
READ: False claim that Nigeria has the second-largest burden of HIV infection globally circulates online
CLAIM
Over two million Nigerians are living with HIV, with Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom leading in the number of infections.
THE FINDINGS
Checks by The FactCheckHub shows that the claim is TRUE.
A keyword search led to media reports from The Punch and Tribune both citing recent data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). According to NACA’s 2024 HIV Spectrum report, over two million Nigerians are living with HIV.
The data also confirm the ranking by states:
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Rivers State: 208,767 cases
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Benue State: 202,346 cases
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Akwa Ibom State: 161,597 cases
These three states top the chart in terms of the number of reported HIV cases nationwide.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection that weakens the immune system and, if untreated, can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). While primarily transmitted through unprotected sex, it can also be contracted through contact with infected blood or contaminated sharp objects.
Earlier data from NACA as contained in the National HIV & AIDS strategic Plan starting from 2023 gives the number of people living with HIV at 1.98 million.
The Human Immuno Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, it can progress to Acquired Immuno deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). While HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, it can also be contracted through exposure to infected blood, especially via sharp objects such as razor blades, knives, or clippers.
ALSO READ: Are HIV+ persons barred from migrating to Canada, Australia or UAE?
VERDICT
TRUE. The claim that over two million Nigerians are living with HIV, with Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom leading in infection numbers, is accurate and supported by official data and multiple credible media sources.
