Smart DNA has published its detailed 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024.
The report from the Lagos-based DNA testing center reveals that 27 percent of paternity tests returned negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The report highlights a notable rise in DNA tests conducted for immigration purposes, which have grown more rapidly than any other type of test, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. It also suggests that an increasing number of dual-citizen parents are processing immigration paperwork for their children.
Regionally, Lagos emerged as the primary center for DNA testing, reflecting economic disparities. Lagos accounted for 73.1 percent of all tests, with 67.5 percent conducted on the Mainland and 32.5 percent on the Island.
Ethnically, the Yoruba group represented 53 percent of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3 percent, while the Hausa accounted for just 1.20 percent.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the report to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN): “These findings provide valuable insight into the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the increase in immigration-related testing are particularly significant. They reflect broader societal trends that warrant further examination and discussion. The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about the accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services throughout Nigeria.”
The statistics indicate that the majority of children tested were aged 0 to 5 (54.0 percent), suggesting a preference for early paternity verification. Men aged 41 and over (45.6 percent) and those aged 31 to 40 (37.0 percent) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting economic factors or heightened paternity concerns among older men.
Additionally, there appears to be a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8 percent) compared to female children (47.2 percent), hinting at a possible cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
