...Report Highlights High Rate of Paternity Misidentification Amid Surge in Immigration-Related Testing
Smart DNA, a premier DNA testing center in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report, detailing DNA testing trends in Nigeria from July 2023 to June 2024. The report reveals several startling findings, offering insight into societal shifts, economic influences, and evolving family dynamics in the country.
The report, released in Lagos yesterday, highlights a significant level of paternity uncertainty. It found that 27 percent of paternity tests returned negative results, indicating that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The report also noted a sharp increase in DNA tests related to immigration, reflecting the ongoing “Japa” trend, where more Nigerians are seeking opportunities abroad. The surge in immigration-related tests suggests that many parents with dual citizenship are processing emigration paperwork for their children.
Lagos emerged as the dominant region for DNA testing, accounting for 73.1 percent of all tests conducted. Within Lagos, a significant divide was observed, with 67.5 percent of tests conducted on the Mainland and 32.5 percent on the Island. This concentration underscores the economic disparities within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising concerns about access to DNA testing services in other regions.
The report also showed that the Yoruba ethnic group made up 53 percent of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3 percent, and the Hausa at just 1.20 percent.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the findings: “These results provide a unique insight into the changing 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 deserve further attention and study. The concentration of testing in Lagos raises important questions about the accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across the country. As a company, we are dedicated to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
The report also indicated that a majority of the children tested were aged between 0 and five years (54.0 percent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41 and above (45.6 percent) and those aged 31-40 (37.0 percent) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting their economic capacity or increased concerns about paternity at an older age.
Additionally, there was a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8 percent) compared to female children (47.2 percent). This could indicate a cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
The report noted that the primary reason for DNA testing was for ‘Peace of Mind,’ accounting for 85.9 percent of the tests, rather than legal reasons.
