Health

27% Of Nigerian Men Not Biological Fathers – Smart DNA Report

Published

4 months ago

Sep 2, 2024.

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center based in Lagos, has published its 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering data from July 2023 to June 2024.

The report unveils key findings about societal trends, economic influences, and shifting family dynamics within Nigeria.

It reveals that paternity uncertainty continues to be a major concern, with 27% of paternity tests returning negative results, indicating that more than one in four tested men were not the biological fathers of the children in question.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a significant rise in DNA tests for immigration purposes is also highlighted, driven by the increasing “Japa” trend where Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.

This category of testing has seen the most substantial growth, reflecting a surge in parents with dual citizenship processing their children’s emigration paperwork.

Regionally, Lagos remains the primary center for DNA testing, with 73.1% of tests conducted there.

The report highlights a pronounced economic divide within the city, with the Mainland accounting for 67.5% of tests and the Island 32.5%, indicating disparities in access to testing services across Nigeria.

Ethnic breakdowns show that the Yoruba ethnic group represented 53% of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, and the Hausa at 1.2%.

Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the report: “These findings offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Nigerian families and societal norms.

Nigerian Men Smart DNA

“The high rate of negative paternity results and the increased demand for immigration-related testing are notable trends that deserve further examination.

“The concentration of testing services in Lagos raises critical questions about accessibility and awareness throughout Nigeria. We are dedicated to expanding our services nationwide while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy and confidentiality.”

Additionally, the report indicates that the majority of children tested were aged 0-5 years (54.0%), reflecting a preference for early paternity verification. Men aged 41+ (45.6%) and 31-40 years (37.0%) were the most common requesters of tests, which may be linked to greater economic resources or increased concerns about paternity among older men.