A newly released 2025 report by Smart DNA Nigeria reveals that one in every four paternity tests conducted in the country still returns a negative result, highlighting persistent trust issues within Nigerian families.
According to the Lagos-based firm’s Annual DNA Testing Report (July 2024 – June 2025), 25% of paternity tests confirmed that the presumed fathers were not biologically related to the children involved. Although slightly lower than the 27% figure reported in 2024, the company warns the trend remains “worrying and consistent.”
“These findings go beyond science they reflect deeper concerns around trust, relationships, and socio-economic dynamics in Nigerian households,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA. “Our role is to offer scientific certainty, but the emotional and financial implications are often profound.”
Firstborn Sons Most at Risk
The report noted that firstborn children especially sons are disproportionately affected. A staggering 64% of tested firstborn boys were excluded from paternity, compared to much lower rates for later-born siblings.
Analysts believe this may be tied to socio-cultural pressures around male lineage, inheritance, and societal expectations.
DNA Testing and the “Japa” Effect
Immigration-related DNA tests rose sharply, now accounting for 13.1% of all tests—a direct result of Nigeria’s rising emigration wave, popularly known as the Japa movement.
“Many clients are dual-citizenship families seeking DNA documentation for emigration purposes,” the report noted.
Men Drive Majority of Tests
Men continue to initiate the vast majority (88.2%) of paternity tests, with older men (ages 41+) making up 45.5% of that group. This suggests that financial stability and long-term relationship doubts often trigger verification.
Children under the age of five represented the majority of test subjects (58.6%), a figure that’s steadily rising as more parents seek early clarity.
Lagos Leads, Lekki Tops Testing Locations
Lagos remains the testing hub, accounting for 69% of all DNA tests. However, there’s a geographic shift from the Mainland to the Island, with Lekki (20.3%), Yaba (15.8%), Ajah, Ikorodu, Surulere, and Ikeja emerging as key areas.
Ethnic and Cultural Trends
The report showed that Yoruba families make up over half (53%) of all clients, followed by Igbo (31.3%) and minimal participation from Hausa families (1.2%). The gender of children tested also revealed cultural priorities—53.8% were male—pointing to ongoing emphasis on verifying male lineage.
Most DNA tests (83.7%) were done for “peace of mind,” not legal disputes. Court-mandated tests accounted for only 1.4%.
Call for Legal Reform
Smart DNA called for urgent legislative action, noting Nigeria lacks specific laws around paternity fraud, unlike South Africa. The company also recommends integrating DNA testing into national health and family planning policies.
“We’re seeing long-standing doubts finally confronted—often with emotional or financial consequences,” Digia said. “It’s time for policy to catch up.”
The firm clarified that its findings are based on real, anonymised client data and do not reflect the general population. “Our clients already had reasons to question paternity. These results should not be seen as national averages,” the report concluded.
