PATERNITY CRISIS: REPORT REVEALS 1 IN 4 NIGERIAN MEN RAISING CHILDREN THAT ARE NOT THEIRS
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
A recent study by Smart DNA Nigeria has disclosed that one in four paternity examinations performed in the nation continues to yield a negative outcome, highlighting an ongoing paternity dilemma and exacerbating trust concerns among Nigerian families.
In its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report published this week, the Lagos-based genetic testing firm revealed that 25 percent of paternity examinations performed between July 2024 and June 2025 indicated that the alleged fathers were not genetically connected to the children involved. Although marginally lower than the 27 percent recorded in 2024, the statistic emphasizes what the company describes as a “concerning and persistent trend. ”
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“These conclusions transcend mere scientific inquiry; they impart substantial understanding pertaining to confidence, connections, and the juridical and financial circumstances of present-day Nigerian households,” remarked Operations Director at Smart DNA, Elizabeth Digia.
“Our function is to furnish assurance via precise analysis while fostering thoughtful management of the transformative facts our customers obtain. ”
The document observed that eldest offspring, notably male heirs, demonstrated a notably elevated likelihood of yielding unfavorable parentage examination outcomes, with firstborn males registering an astounding 64 percent elimination proportion, considerably greater than subsequently born brothers and sisters.
It furthermore disclosed that immigration-associated DNA analysis escalated to 13.1 percent of total examinations, a straight consequence of Nigeria’s amplifying expatriation surge, extensively termed the “Japa” occurrence. This signifies a marked upswing from antecedent epochs as additional kinships pursue authentication for overseas resettlement.
“Numerous among our clientele comprise dual-nationality families managing DNA authentication for progeny, frequently as a component of protracted relocation schemes,” the document indicated.
An additional fundamental observation was that 88.2 percent of all parentage examinations were commenced by males, with merely 11.8 percent originating from females. More seasoned males, specifically those aged 41 and beyond, constituted approximately half (45.5 percent) of all examinations, implying fiscal dependability assumes a major part in initiating parentage validation.
Children amid ages 0 and 5 comprised the bulk of those examined, at 58.6 percent, elevated from 54 percent in the prior annum.
According to analysts, this shows a growing trend of parents seeking early clarity to avoid future complications.
While Lagos State continued to represent the majority of DNA testing (69 percent), the report indicates a transition in demand from the Mainland to the Island. Lekki (20.3 percent), Yaba (15.8 percent), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5 percent each), as well as Surulere and Ikeja (9 percent each) emerged as the leading testing centers.
The ethnic composition of clients exhibited a sustained predominance of Yoruba families (53 percent), followed by Igbo (31.3 percent).
Hausa involvement remained low at 1.2 percent, indicating considerable cultural disparities in perspectives on paternity testing.
A substantial majority 83.7 percent of DNA analyses were conducted for “peace of mind” rather than for legal purposes, with court-ordered tests constituting merely 1.4 percent. The gender distribution of tested children also reflected cultural biases: 53.8 percent were male, suggesting a continued focus on confirming male lineage for reasons potentially associated with inheritance and the preservation of family names.
The document advocates for immediate legislative reform, highlighting that Nigeria lacks distinct statutes pertaining to paternity deception, in contrast to nations such as South Africa. It further suggests that public health initiatives should incorporate DNA testing within family planning and premarital counseling systems.
“We are witnessing an increasing number of individuals coming forward with suspicions they have held for years,” stated Digia. “Several of these instances entail emotional distress and even financial manipulation. A comprehensive policy framework is long overdue. ”
Smart DNA underscored that its findings are derived from anonymized data from actual cases and do not represent the broader population. “Our statistics pertain to those who already had grounds to doubt paternity, and therefore, the outcomes should not be generalized to all Nigerian households,” the company clarified.
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