By Emmanuel Kwada
A recent report by Smart DNA, a testing center in Lagos, has revealed that over one in four children born to Nigerian men may not be their biological offspring.
The report, which covers the period from July 2023 to June 2024, shows that 27% of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The number of children for whom their supposed fathers were not actually responsible rose by less than 1%, from 26.12% to 27.0%
Compared to a similar report by the testing center last year, the number of children for whom their supposed fathers were not actually responsible rose by less than 1%, from 26.12% to 27.0%. The report also highlights a surge in immigration-related testing, with a significant increase in DNA tests for emigration purposes, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
The report shows that Lagos dominates in terms of DNA testing, with an overwhelming 73.1% of all tests conducted in the state.
This concentration highlights the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country.
According to Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, “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.”
The report also shows that most of the children tested were aged 0-5 (54.0%), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41+ (45.6%) and 31-40 (37.0%) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.
The majority of tests (85.9%) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations, indicating that individuals primarily seek DNA testing to confirm biological relationships for personal reasons rather than legal or immigration purposes.
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