Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024. The report reveals startling findings about societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in the country.
The report indicates that paternity uncertainty remains alarmingly high, with 27% of paternity tests returning negative results, meaning that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
In addition to paternity concerns, the report highlights a significant surge in DNA tests conducted for immigration purposes. This trend aligns with the increasing “Japa” movement, where more Nigerians are seeking opportunities abroad. The rise in immigration-related testing suggests that more parents with dual citizenship are processing emigration paperwork for their children.
The report also sheds light on the regional dominance of DNA testing, with Lagos accounting for a staggering 73.1% of all tests. This concentration, split between the Mainland (67.5%) and the Island (32.5%), underscores the economic disparities within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising concerns about access to DNA testing services in other regions of the country.
Ethnically, the Yoruba group accounted for the majority of tests at 53%, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, with the Hausa group making up only 1.20% of the tests.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the report, stating, “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.”
The report also revealed that most of the children tested were aged 0 to 5 years (54.0%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Additionally, men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those aged 31 to 40 (37.0%) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting either economic capability or heightened paternity concerns in older men.
A slight gender bias was noted in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) compared to female children (47.2%), suggesting a possible cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
The overwhelming majority of the tests (85.9%) were conducted for “Peace of Mind,” rather than for legal reasons, highlighting the emotional and psychological motivations behind the demand for DNA testing in Nigeria.