Smart DNA 2024 Report: 27% of Paternity Tests in Nigeria Reveal Negative Results; Majority for Personal Peace of Mind and Surge in Immigration Testing Highlight Societal Trends
The Smart DNA’s 2024 report has highlighted that 27 percent of paternity tests conducted in Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024 revealed that the tested men were not the biological fathers of their children. This statistic underscores a substantial level of paternity uncertainty within Nigerian society.
The report delves into several societal and economic factors contributing to this trend. It notes a significant rise in DNA tests conducted for immigration purposes, a shift linked to the “Japa” phenomenon, where increasing numbers of Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. This trend reflects a surge in dual citizenship parents processing emigration paperwork for their children.
Additionally, the report reveals an economic disparity in the distribution of DNA testing services, with 73.1 percent of tests being carried out in Lagos. Of these, 67.5 percent were conducted on the Mainland and 32.5 percent on the Island, indicating a notable economic divide within the city. This concentration of services raises concerns about the accessibility of DNA testing in other regions of Nigeria.
The Smart DNA’s 2024 report reveals a pronounced gender imbalance in test initiation, with men requesting 88.2 percent of paternity tests, while women initiated only 11.8 percent. This disparity points to underlying issues related to gender roles, trust in relationships, and societal pressures concerning paternity. The report also highlights ethnic variations in test requests: the Yoruba ethnic group made up 53 percent of the tests, the Igbo 31.3 percent, and the Hausa only 1.2 percent.
The Smart DNA’s 2024 report suggests that the ethnic distribution of paternity tests—53 percent Yoruba, 31.3 percent Igbo, and 1.2 percent Hausa—does not match national demographics, prompting a need to explore cultural attitudes towards paternity testing across Nigerian ethnicities. Most tests were conducted for children aged 0-5 (54.0%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41+ (45.6%) and 31-40 (37.0%) were the primary initiators of tests, possibly due to greater economic means or heightened paternity concerns in older age. Additionally, the report noted a slight gender bias in testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), suggesting a potential cultural preference for verifying paternity of male offspring.
The Smart DNA’s 2024 report reveals that 85.9 percent of paternity tests in Nigeria were conducted primarily for ‘Peace of Mind,’ reflecting personal rather than legal motivations. Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented, “These findings offer insight into the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the increase in immigration-related testing highlight significant societal trends that require further exploration. Additionally, the concentration of testing in Lagos underscores the need to improve accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services nationwide. We are dedicated to expanding our services while ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
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