By Esther Onyegbula

The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) has taken its HIV sensitisation and free testing campaign to Badagry, Lagos, citing the border community’s strategic location and high influx of travellers as factors that increase vulnerability to the spread of HIV.

Speaking at the World AIDS Day outreach in Badagry, NiBUCAA official, Mr. Isaac Akoredele Ogundiminegha, said the coalition deliberately targeted the area because of its proximity to Seme and cross-border movements to neighbouring West African countries.

According to him, Badagry’s status as a transit hub for travellers to Seme, Togo and Ghana makes it a high-risk zone that requires sustained intervention.

“Badagry, as a border community, has people trooping in and out. This makes it an avenue for key populations to converge. There are people in these communities who need these services. Bringing this campaign here complements the efforts of the government in reaching the unreached,” Ogundiminegha said.

He described Badagry as one of the most distant local governments in Lagos, noting that limited access to services has left many residents underserved in HIV education and testing.

While commending the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency for ongoing interventions, Ogundiminegha urged increased budgetary allocation to HIV and AIDS programmes in view of the state’s growing population.

“Government has been responsive, but Lagos is a large state in population. Their efforts may not be enough. We encourage the state to allocate more funds to HIV response and call on private firms to support and complement government efforts,” he added.

Ogundiminegha said NiBUCAA is working towards the national and global target of eliminating new HIV infections by 2030 through continuous community outreach and free screening.

“Our goal is that by 2030, we should have no new cases. When people know their status, we can refer them for treatment. This helps them live healthier lives and reduces new infections,” he said.

Also speaking, NiBUCAA volunteer, Ms. Chike Chizurum Ngozi, described the outreach as part of activities to commemorate World AIDS Day, which included distribution of free condoms and education on prevention.

She urged young people to get tested regularly and not to live in denial.

“Never assume you are safe. Fight ignorance by testing every three months. Protect yourself, use condoms, and avoid sharing sharp objects like razors,” she said.

Representing the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, the protocol officer, Mr. Hunga Joshua Numaye, thanked NiBUCAA for bringing the programme to the area, describing it as timely and impactful.

He said the council has intensified community health interventions, including the renovation of a primary healthcare centre to operate 24-hour services and the provision of free medical tests for residents.

“During the chairman’s first 100 days in office, we renovated and equipped a primary healthcare centre and organised free tests for our people. We also encouraged HIV testing because many people shy away from it,” he said.

Numaye urged youths to take preventive measures seriously, noting that HIV can be contracted through means beyond sexual contact, including the use of contaminated sharp objects.

He advised both males and females to make use of available protective methods, including male and female condoms, stressing that early testing and prevention remain critical tools in stopping the spread of HIV in Badagry and Lagos State at large.