Over 25% of Nigerian Men Are Not Biological Fathers of Their Children Says New Smart DNA Report

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center based in Lagos, has unveiled its 2024 report detailing DNA testing trends across Nigeria, revealing that 27 per cent of Nigerian Men are not the actual fathers of their children.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News gathered that the report which covers the period from July 2023 to June 2024, provides a comprehensive look at various social, economic, and familial trends within the country.

One of the most striking findings in the report is the continued prevalence of paternity uncertainty in Nigeria.

According to the data, 27% of paternity tests conducted during this period returned negative results.

This suggests that more than one in four men who sought paternity confirmation are not the biological fathers of the children involved.

The report also highlights a significant rise in DNA tests related to immigration, reflecting the ongoing "Japa" trend, where many Nigerians are seeking to relocate abroad.

This increase in immigration testing has outpaced other types of DNA tests, pointing to the growing desire among Nigerians to explore opportunities overseas.

Additionally, the report notes a growing trend among parents with dual citizenship who are processing emigration paperwork for their children. This suggests a strategic move by these families to secure better prospects for their offspring by leveraging their dual nationality.

When examining regional trends, Lagos stands out as the dominant center for DNA testing in Nigeria. The report reveals that 73.1% of all tests were conducted in Lagos, with a significant majority (67.5%) taking place on the Mainland, while the Island accounted for 32.5%. This regional concentration underscores the economic disparities both within Lagos and across the nation.

Furthermore, the report revealed that ethnic distribution in DNA testing shows a clear pattern, with the Yoruba ethnic group representing the majority at 53% of tests conducted, the Igbo group follows with 31.3%, while the Hausa ethnic group accounts for only 1.2% of the tests, reflecting varying levels of engagement with DNA testing across different communities.

Operations Manager at Smart DNA, Elizabeth Digia, commented on the findings, emphasizing their importance in understanding the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society.

She highlighted the high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration related testing as particularly significant trends that warrant deeper analysis.

Digia also pointed to the concentration of DNA testing services in Lagos as an issue of concern. She noted that this trend raises important questions about the accessibility and awareness of such services in other regions of the country, where economic and infrastructural disparities may limit access.

To address these challenges, Digia affirmed Smart DNA’s commitment to expanding its services across Nigeria.

She stressed the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality while ensuring that more Nigerians can access DNA testing services, regardless of their location.