Smart DNA Report: 27% of Nigerian Men Not Biological Fathers; Surge in Immigration DNA Tests
Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center in Lagos, has released its 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, revealing some striking insights for the period from July 2023 to June 2024. The report highlights that 27% of paternity tests returned negative, indicating that over one in four tested men are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The report also notes a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, reflecting the high “Japa” trend as Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. This surge is attributed to the growing number of dual-citizenship parents processing their children’s emigration paperwork.
Regional analysis shows Lagos as the predominant location for DNA tests, with 73.1% of tests conducted in the city. This is split between the Mainland (67.5%) and the Island (32.5%), underscoring economic disparities. Additionally, the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53% of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, and the Hausa at only 1.2%.