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, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, unveils several astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria.
One of the most striking revelations from the report is the high rate of paternity uncertainty. According to the data, 27 percent of paternity tests conducted during the period came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
This statistic underscores significant questions about family structures and trust within relationships across the country.
The report also highlights a surge in DNA tests conducted for immigration purposes, reflecting the ongoing “Japa” trend—Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
The increase in these tests outpaced all other types of DNA testing, suggesting that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship are processing paperwork for their children’s emigration.
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In terms of regional dominance, Lagos led the nation, accounting for a staggering 73.1 percent of all DNA tests conducted.
This concentration of testing in Lagos, with 67.5 percent of tests performed on the Mainland and 32.5 percent on the Island, underscores the economic disparities within the city and across Nigeria.
The report raises important questions about the accessibility of DNA testing services in other parts of the country.
Ethnic breakdowns in the report showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 percent of the tests, followed by the Igbo (31.3 percent), while the Hausa ethnic group represented only 1.20 percent.
This distribution may reflect cultural or socio-economic factors influencing the demand for DNA testing among different ethnic groups.
Commenting on the findings, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, stated, “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.
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They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research. The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.
As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
The report also noted that the majority of children tested were aged 0-5 (54.0 percent), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation.
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Men aged 41 and above were the most likely to request tests (45.6 percent), followed by those aged 31-40 (37.0 percent), possibly reflecting economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.
There was also a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8 percent) than female children (47.2 percent), suggesting a possible cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
Most of the DNA tests (85.9 percent) were conducted for reasons of “Peace of Mind,” rather than for legal purposes, indicating that personal and familial assurances are the primary drivers behind the demand for these services.
The findings from Smart DNA’s 2024 report provide critical insights into the evolving landscape of Nigerian families, the socio-economic pressures driving paternity testing, and the implications of these trends for the broader society.