A new report from Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centre, Smart DNA, has revealed that 25% of men who undergo paternity testing discover they are not the biological fathers of their children.
The findings, part of the company’s 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, highlight a persistent social issue, with only a slight decline from 27% in 2024.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA Nigeria, stated that the results reflect deeper issues of trust, relationships, and family dynamics in Nigeria. One of the most striking revelations was the high rate of paternity exclusion among firstborn sons—64% were found not to be biologically related to their presumed fathers. Firstborn daughters also showed elevated rejection rates, though less dramatically, suggesting cultural and social factors may influence early parenthood decisions.
The report also noted a 13.1% increase in DNA testing linked to emigration, as more families use these services for visa applications and citizenship verification. “DNA testing has become a biological passport for opportunity,” Digia remarked.
Men accounted for 88.2% of test initiations, with older men (41 and above) making up nearly half of requests. Most tested children (58.6%) were under five, indicating early doubts. Geographically, Lagos led in testing volume (69%), particularly in affluent areas like Lekki and Ajah. Ethically, Yoruba clients dominated (53%), followed by Igbo (31.3%), while Hausa participation remained minimal (1.2%).
Most tests (83.7%) were for personal clarity rather than legal reasons, pointing to a culture of private suspicion. Experts warn that Nigeria lacks legal protections against paternity fraud, leaving affected men without recourse. The report calls for policy reforms and public awareness to address this growing issue.
“Behind every statistic is a human story,” Digia said. “Our role is to provide answers with compassion and confidentiality.” The findings underscore a silent crisis in Nigerian families, demanding broader societal discussion.
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cc: The Nation Ng
