Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Lagos, Nigeria — November 6, 2025 — The Lagos State Government has taken a decisive step to strengthen protections for people living with HIV & AIDS, convening key stakeholders for a high-level strategic engagement at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The session, spearheaded by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), focused on reviewing and updating the 2007 Lagos State Law for the Protection of People Living with HIV & AIDS to reflect modern societal changes, including the rise of social media, persistent stigma, and the growing intersection of HIV with gender-based violence (GBV) and human rights challenges.
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of LSACA, described the engagement as “a crucial moment in the State’s commitment to human dignity, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and strengthening legal protections for people living with HIV.” She praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his dedication to inclusive governance and human-centred development, noting that Lagos State continues to lead the nation in innovative, evidence-based HIV response programs.
“Lagos has remained a beacon of innovation and compassion in Nigeria’s HIV response,” Dr. Animashaun said. “Almost two decades later, our laws must evolve to address emerging societal challenges and ensure legal protections keep pace with modern realities.”
The engagement highlighted the urgent need to incorporate guidelines addressing domestic, sexual, and workplace violence against PLHIV into law, ensuring comprehensive protection for affected individuals.
Barr Josephine Ijekhwene, Legal Consultant to the review process, commended the diversity of stakeholders present, including representatives from government ministries, civil society, PLHIV networks, development partners, and legal experts. She urged participants to approach the review with courage, empathy, and evidence-driven insights, emphasizing the importance of bold and compassionate thinking in shaping progressive legislation.
Stakeholders present included representatives from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Basic Education, APYIN, ASHWAN, UNIDS, ACSM, CHIP, Champagne Foundation, Yedi Youth Foundation, FIDA, and TIERS, among others.
The review marks Lagos State’s ongoing commitment to reinforcing legal equity, reducing stigma, and fostering inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s HIV response.
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