By OLA MODUPE, Lagos-
Smart DNA Nigeria, the nation’s premier DNA testing facility, has unveiled its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, highlighting a 13.1% increase in DNA testing from July 2024 to June 2025.
The report, shared with journalists in Lagos on Sunday, offers critical insights into Nigeria’s evolving family dynamics, revealing persistent paternity uncertainties and a sharp rise in immigration-related testing.
The report indicates that 25% of paternity tests conducted returned negative results, a slight drop from 27% in 2024, yet still showing that one in four presumed fathers is not biologically related to the child.
Notably, firstborn children, particularly sons (64% discrepancy rate), are more likely to have negative paternity results compared to later-born siblings, with firstborn daughters also showing higher rates of non-paternity.
“Immigration-related DNA testing has skyrocketed, accounting for 13.1% of all tests,” the report stated, attributing this to Nigeria’s ongoing “Japa” emigration wave. Many families are pursuing dual citizenship or foreign documentation for children, often as a precautionary “second passport” measure.
“This trend reflects the growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad,” Smart DNA noted.
The report also highlighted a stark gender imbalance: men initiate 88.2% of paternity tests, while women account for only 11.8%. This disparity points to entrenched gender roles, with men primarily seeking confirmation of paternity, often after years of lingering doubts.
“These findings go beyond science, shedding light on trust, relationships, and the socio-economic realities shaping Nigerian families,” the Centre emphasized.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, called for urgent reforms, stating, “Nigeria needs specific laws on paternity fraud, like those in South Africa, to address cases where men discover non-paternity after years of financial responsibility.”
She also advocated for public health campaigns to normalize paternity discussions and integrate DNA testing into pre-marital and family health programs.
“Misconceptions, such as DNA testing being exclusive to the wealthy or that physical resemblance confirms paternity, must be addressed,” Digia added.
“Our mission is to deliver clarity through precise testing while supporting clients through the emotional impact of these results.”
