Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing center in Lagos, has released its detailed 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024.
The report reveals several surprising findings that offer insights into societal dynamics, economic factors, and evolving family structures in Nigeria.
Released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, the report highlights that paternity uncertainty remains significant.
It shows that 27 percent of paternity tests conducted returned negative results, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The report also points to a surge in immigration-related DNA tests, reflecting the high prevalence of the “Japa” trend, with more Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
It notes a marked increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, which grew more than any other type of test, and suggests that a rising number of parents with dual citizenship are processing emigration paperwork for their children.
Regarding regional patterns, the report reveals that Lagos leads in the number of DNA tests conducted, highlighting economic disparities.
A significant 73.1 percent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a clear divide between the Mainland (67.5 percent) and the Island (32.5 percent).
This concentration underscores the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising concerns about access to such services in other parts of the country.
The report also shows that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 percent of tests, followed by the Igbo (31.3 percent), with the Hausa group at just 1.20 percent.
Commenting on the findings, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, stated, “These findings provide a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
“The high rate of negative paternity tests and the increase in immigration-related testing are particularly significant.
“They reflect broader societal trends that warrant further discussion and research.
“The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about the accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.
“As a company, we are committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that the statistics show most of the children tested were aged 0-5 (54.0 percent), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41 and above (45.6 percent) and those aged 31-40 (37.0 percent) were most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting economic capacity or increased paternity concerns among older men.
Additionally, the report indicates 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.
The report concludes that “peace of mind” is the dominant reason for DNA testing, with the majority of tests (85.9 percent) conducted for this purpose rather than for legal reasons.
