One in four Nigerian men fail DNA paternity tests – Report
By Nsan Neji
LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – A new report by Smart DNA, Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centre, has revealed that one in every four men tested between July 2024 and June 2025 was not the biological father of the child in question.
The 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, released by the company, recorded a paternity exclusion rate of 25 per cent. Although slightly lower than 27 per cent in 2024, the figure underscores what experts describe as a growing social crisis in the country’s family system.
“These findings are not just about science; they speak volumes about trust, relationships, and the economic and emotional realities of Nigerian families today,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA.
Firstborns Most Affected
One of the most striking revelations is the high rate of paternity rejection among firstborn sons. According to the report, 64 per cent of firstborn males tested were not biologically related to their presumed fathers, making them the most affected group.
Firstborn daughters also recorded higher-than-average exclusion rates, though less pronounced. Experts suggest this may be linked to early relationships, pre-marital pregnancies, or social pressures that influence how paternity is claimed in patriarchal societies.
DNA Testing and the “Japa” Wave
Nigeria’s ongoing emigration movement, commonly called the Japa wave, has driven a 13.1 per cent rise in immigration-related DNA testing. Many families now use DNA verification for visa applications, citizenship claims, and family reunification abroad.
“DNA testing is now a gateway not just to truth, but to opportunity,” Digia noted, describing the process as a “biological passport” for children of migrating families.
Men Drive Testing Demand
The report shows that men initiated 88.2 per cent of all tests, with those aged 41 and above accounting for nearly half (45.5%). Most children tested (58.6%) were under five years old, while boys made up 53.8 per cent of the cases—reflecting societal bias towards confirming male lineage.
Lagos Leads in Testing
Lagos accounted for 69 per cent of all tests, with Lekki (20.3%), Yaba (15.8%), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5% each), Surulere and Ikeja (9% each) topping the list. More affluent Island communities such as Lekki and Ajah recorded a surge in demand compared to previous years.
Ethnic Disparities
The data also revealed ethnic disparities. Yoruba clients made up 53 per cent of all cases, while Igbo clients accounted for 31.3 per cent. Hausa participation was the lowest at 1.2 per cent, a figure attributed to cultural taboos and religious sensitivities in Northern Nigeria.
Quiet Inquiries, Few Legal Cases
Despite the scale of the findings, most tests were carried out privately for “peace of mind.” The report found that 83.7 per cent of cases were not linked to legal proceedings, while only 1.4 per cent were court-ordered. In 80 per cent of cases, only one child was tested—showing that most inquiries stemmed from specific doubts rather than full-family verification.
Call for Policy Reform
Experts warn that Nigeria’s lack of legislation on paternity fraud leaves many men without legal recourse, unlike South Africa, where protections exist for fathers misled about parenthood.
The report recommends urgent reforms, including integrating DNA testing into family health services, public awareness campaigns, and legal frameworks to address paternity fraud.
“Behind every statistic is a human story—of doubt, betrayal, clarity, or relief. Our mission is not just to deliver answers, but to handle them with compassion and confidentiality,” Digia concluded.
READ ALSO:
