Lagos, Nigeria – DNA testing in Nigeria has witnessed a significant rise, with a 13.1% increase in demand recorded between July 2024 and June 2025, according to the newly released 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report by Smart DNA Nigeria, the country’s leading DNA diagnostics provider.
The report, unveiled on Sunday in Lagos, sheds light on shifting family structures, rising emigration trends, and growing skepticism around paternity, all of which are driving the demand for DNA verification nationwide.
Key Insights:
1 in 4 paternity tests revealed non-biological fathers, with 25% returning negative results. Though slightly down from 27% in 2024, this still means one in four men tested is not the biological father of the child in question.
Firstborn children, especially firstborn sons, were found to have the highest rates of non-paternity, with a 64% discrepancy rate.
Immigration-related DNA testing surged, now comprising 13.1% of all tests, largely attributed to Nigeria’s ongoing “Japa” emigration wave.
“This surge mirrors a growing number of Nigerians seeking foreign residency, dual citizenship, and documentation for their children, often in pursuit of better opportunities abroad,” the report noted.
Gender Disparities and Social Implications
The data also reveals a stark gender divide:
88.2% of DNA tests were initiated by men, compared to 11.8% by women, reflecting enduring trust issues and societal expectations tied to male identity and lineage.
“These statistics aren’t just about biology—they’re about relationships, trust, and the evolving realities of Nigerian families,” said a representative from Smart DNA.
Calls for Reform and Public Education
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, emphasized the need for legal and social reforms to match the growing demand and implications of DNA testing.
“Nigeria urgently needs clear legislation on paternity fraud, similar to frameworks in South Africa,” she said. “It’s time we addressed the legal gaps that leave men financially and emotionally burdened after discovering non-paternity years later.”
Digia also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns, pushing for DNA testing to be normalized as part of pre-marital screening, family health programs, and routine healthcare.
She called out common myths, including the idea that physical resemblance confirms paternity or that DNA testing is only for the rich.
“Our mission is to provide scientific clarity while supporting families through what are often life-altering revelations,” she added.
Summary Takeaway:
The surge in DNA testing across Nigeria highlights a growing demand for truth and transparency in family relationships, as well as the broader socio-economic shifts pushing more Nigerians to seek certainty—whether for family planning, legal security, or migration.
