One in Four Paternity Tests in Nigeria Returns Negative, Report Reveals
A recent report by Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Nigeria, has revealed that nearly 27% of paternity tests conducted by the centre returned negative results. This means that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children.
The report, which was released in 2024, also showed a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, linked to the ongoing “Japa” trend of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. This surge is attributed to the growing number of Nigerians seeking to relocate to other countries, leading to a rise in the number of tests required for processing immigration paperwork for children.
Furthermore, the report revealed a geographical disparity in testing, with 73.1% of all DNA tests conducted in Lagos. Within the city, there was a clear divide between the Mainland and the Island, with Mainland tests comprising 67.5% and Island tests 32.5%.
The report also provided insights into gender dynamics, with men requesting 88.2% of all tests, compared to 11.8% by women. This suggests that men are more likely to initiate paternity tests, possibly due to concerns about their paternal status.
Additionally, the report showed that most tests were conducted on children aged zero to five years, reflecting a preference for early paternity confirmation. This could be attributed to the desire for clarity and certainty about a child’s biological father, particularly during the early stages of a child’s life.
Commenting on the data, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said, “The findings from this report provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and societal trends. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the increase in immigration-related testing are particularly notable.”
The report’s findings have sparked concerns about paternity fraud in Nigeria, with increasing reports revealing that many children have been falsely attributed to men who are not their biological fathers. This phenomenon has gained attention as DNA testing becomes more accessible, uncovering a troubling trend where a notable percentage of paternity tests reveal negative results.
In recent years, high-profile cases of paternity fraud have made headlines in Nigeria, highlighting the need for greater awareness and access to DNA testing. For instance, in 2019, a popular comedian and talk show host, Chinedu Ani, aka Nedu, discovered that a son he fathered for years was not his after conducting a DNA test.
Similarly, in February 2021, a Delta State High Court judge, Anthony Okorodas, revealed that he was not the biological father of three children from his marriage with his former wife.
The report’s findings underscore the importance of DNA testing in resolving paternity disputes and ensuring that children are attributed to their biological fathers. As DNA testing becomes more accessible and affordable, more Nigerians will likely turn to this technology to resolve paternity questions and seek clarity about their family relationships.
