The Federal Government’s unveiling of the new National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) 2026 2030 marks a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against the epidemic. At the launch in Abuja, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori, explained that the country must now move away from its heavy reliance on donor funding and embrace a more sustainable, locally driven model. She noted that while Nigeria has made remarkable progress in reducing infections and expanding treatment access over the past two decades, dwindling external support means the country must take full ownership of its response.
Ilori emphasized that the plan was developed through broad consultations with government agencies, civil society, networks of people living with HIV, development partners, the private sector, and persons with disabilities. The framework is designed to integrate HIV programmes into wider sectors such as healthcare, education, youth development, gender, and justice, ensuring efficiency and inclusivity. She highlighted that prevention strategies will now focus more on adolescents and young people, while digital health solutions, local manufacturing, and innovative service delivery models will be central to sustaining progress.
Dr. John Ovuoraye of the Federal Ministry of Health urged stakeholders to ensure the plan does not remain a document gathering dust but is actively implemented. He stressed that inclusivity and universal health coverage are at the heart of the strategy, particularly for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. His call was echoed by representatives of the United Nations Joint Team on HIV/AIDS, who described the NSP as a crucial roadmap for achieving both national and global targets, including the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.
Dr. Doris Ogba of the UN team encouraged stakeholders to adapt the plan for local programmes and use it to guide interventions across the country. She said the NSP sets out clear strategies and targets, and if properly implemented, it could help Nigeria move closer to ending AIDS. Dr. Abdulkadri Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, welcomed the launch, describing it as timely and essential. He pledged that his network would continue to use the data and evidence in the plan to drive programmes nationwide.
Nigeria hosts one of the world’s largest HIV treatment programmes and has made significant progress in reducing HIV related deaths and new infections. The new strategic plan is expected to build on these achievements, ensuring that the country’s response remains resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Stakeholders believe that with strong political will, community support, and innovative approaches, Nigeria can maintain momentum and achieve its long term vision of controlling the epidemic.
The launch of the NSP has been widely seen as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to ending AIDS. By shifting to a nationally owned model, the country is signaling its readiness to take responsibility for its future, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.
