A new report by Smart DNA Nigeria has revealed that one in every four paternity tests conducted in the country still returns a negative result, highlighting a persistent paternity crisis and raising deeper questions about trust and family dynamics in Nigeria.
In its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, released this week, the Lagos-based genetic testing company disclosed that 25 per cent of paternity tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 showed that presumed fathers were not biologically related to the children in question.
Although this figure is slightly lower than the 27 per cent recorded in 2024, the firm described it as a “worrying and consistent trend” that underscores the sensitive realities facing many households.
“These findings are not just about science; they tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA.
“Our role is to provide certainty through accurate testing while encouraging sensitive handling of the life-changing information our clients receive.”
Key Findings from the 2025 Report
- Firstborn children most affected: The report found that firstborns, especially sons, were far more likely to return negative results. Firstborn boys recorded a staggering 64 per cent exclusion rate, significantly higher than later-born siblings.
- Immigration surge influencing tests: DNA testing for immigration purposes rose sharply, now accounting for 13.1 per cent of all cases, driven by Nigeria’s ongoing emigration wave, popularly called the “Japa” phenomenon. Many families sought documentation to secure foreign relocation.
- Men initiate majority of tests: Men were behind 88.2 per cent of all paternity test requests, with women initiating only 11.8 per cent. Older men aged 41 and above made up nearly half (45.5 per cent) of all clients, suggesting financial stability plays a major role in pursuing verification.
- Children tested at younger ages: A majority (58.6 per cent) of tested children were between 0–5 years old, reflecting parents’ desire to resolve doubts early and avoid future conflicts.
- Geographic demand shifting: While Lagos State still dominated DNA testing (69 per cent of all cases), there was a growing shift from Mainland to Island locations. Lekki (20.3 per cent), Yaba (15.8 per cent), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5 per cent each), Surulere and Ikeja (9 per cent each) emerged as top testing hubs.
- Ethnic breakdown: Yoruba families continued to dominate DNA testing requests at 53 per cent, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent). Hausa participation remained minimal (1.2 per cent), suggesting cultural variations in attitudes toward paternity verification.
- Purpose of testing: A vast majority (83.7 per cent) of tests were done purely for “peace of mind”, while court-mandated cases accounted for only 1.4 per cent.
- Male lineage emphasis: Slightly more boys (53.8 per cent) than girls were tested, reflecting cultural leanings towards verifying male lineage—often linked to inheritance rights and family name preservation.
Calls for Legal Reform
The report also highlighted Nigeria’s lack of specific legislation addressing paternity fraud, in contrast to countries like South Africa. Smart DNA urged policymakers to integrate DNA testing into family planning, premarital counselling, and public health policies to reduce future disputes.
“We’re seeing more people come forward with doubts they’ve harboured for years,” Digia said.
“Some of these cases involve emotional trauma and even financial exploitation. A policy framework is overdue.”
Smart DNA clarified, however, that its findings are based on anonymised client cases and do not represent the entire Nigerian population. “Our figures reflect those who already had reason to question paternity, and as such, should not be extrapolated to all Nigerian families,” the firm explained.
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