Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing center in Lagos, has published its 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024.

The report highlights some surprising trends in Nigerian society, including significant paternity uncertainties. It reveals that 27 percent of paternity tests returned negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

Additionally, the report notes a sharp rise in DNA tests related to immigration, reflecting the high “Japa” trend as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. It also points out that the number of parents with dual citizenship processing their children's emigration paperwork is increasing.

Lagos remains the dominant region for DNA testing, accounting for 73.1 percent of tests, with a notable divide between the Mainland (67.5 percent) and Island (32.5 percent). This concentration underscores the economic disparity within Lagos and raises questions about access to such services elsewhere in Nigeria.

Ethnic distribution shows that 53 percent of tests were conducted for the Yoruba ethnic group, 31.3 percent for the Igbo, and only 1.2 percent for the Hausa.

Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the report: “These findings provide insight into the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the increase in immigration-related testing highlight broader trends that warrant further discussion and study. The predominance of testing in Lagos also prompts important considerations about the accessibility of DNA services nationwide. We are committed to expanding our services while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”

The report also indicates that most children tested were aged 0 to 5 years (54 percent), reflecting a preference for early paternity verification. Men aged 41 and older (45.6 percent) and those aged 31 to 40 (37 percent) were most likely to request tests, potentially due to economic means or heightened paternity concerns in older men.

There is 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 tests (85.9 percent) were conducted for personal reassurance rather than legal reasons.