The 2024 report by Smart DNA has revealed that 27 percent of paternity tests conducted in Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024 returned negative results, indicating that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of their children.
The report unveiled several startling findings, shedding light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures across the country.
The statistics underscore the prevalence of paternity uncertainty in Nigerian society, with a significant portion of men discovering they are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
One of the key trends identified in the report is a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, which has grown more rapidly than any other type of test. This surge is closely linked to the ongoing “Japa” phenomenon, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. The trend suggests that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship are processing paperwork for their children’s emigration.
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The report also highlighted the economic disparity in DNA testing across Nigeria, with 73.1 percent of all tests conducted in Lagos. A stark divide was noted between Mainland Lagos (67.5%) and Island Lagos (32.5%), reflecting the broader economic divide within the state and raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country.
In terms of gender imbalance, the report revealed that men initiated a staggering 88.2 percent of all test requests, compared to just 11.8 percent by women. This disparity raises questions about gender roles, trust issues in relationships, and societal pressures on paternity certainty.
Ethnic distribution was another focal point of the report, with the Yoruba ethnic group accounting for 53 percent of tests, followed by Igbo at 31.3 percent, and Hausa at just 1.20 percent. This distribution, which does not align with national ethnic demographics, suggests varying cultural attitudes towards paternity testing and genetic science across different Nigerian ethnicities.
The majority of the tested children were aged between 0-5 years (54.0%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those aged 31-40 (37.0%) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men. The report also revealed a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), hinting at a possible cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
As for the reasons behind the testing, the report showed that the vast majority of tests (85.9%) were conducted for “Peace of Mind,” highlighting personal rather than legal motivations behind most DNA testing in Nigeria.
Commenting on the findings, Elizabeth Digia, the Operations Manager at Smart DNA, stated, “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.”
She added, “The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria. As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
