The report also highlighted regional disparities in DNA testing, with Lagos accounting for a staggering 73.1% of all tests conducted nationwide.
Lagos, Nigeria – Smart DNA, a reputable DNA testing center in Lagos, has released a report showing that 27% of paternity tests conducted over the past year (July 2023 to June 2024) returned negative results, indicating a notable percentage of men were not the biological fathers of the children tested.
The comprehensive report, which was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), offers insights into societal dynamics, economic factors, and shifting family structures within the country.
The findings have sparked discussions about the implications of high paternity uncertainty in Nigeria.
In addition to paternity tests, the report noted a significant surge in DNA tests related to immigration, reflecting the growing trend of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. This increase in immigration-related tests was the highest among all test types, indicating a rising number of parents with dual citizenship processing paperwork for their children’s emigration.
The report also highlighted regional disparities in DNA testing, with Lagos accounting for a staggering 73.1% of all tests conducted nationwide. Within Lagos, there was a marked difference between Mainland (67.5%) and Island (32.5%) test rates, underscoring the economic divide within the city. The concentration of testing in Lagos has raised questions about access to DNA testing services in other parts of Nigeria.
Ethnic distribution in the report showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for the majority of tests at 53%, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, and the Hausa at just 1.20%.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the findings, stating, “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. They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.”
Digia also emphasized the importance of expanding access to DNA testing services across Nigeria, noting the current concentration in Lagos as a potential barrier to nationwide accessibility and awareness.
The report further revealed that most of the children tested were aged 0-5 years (54%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41 and above were the most likely to request paternity tests (45.6%), followed by those aged 31-40 (37%), suggesting that economic capability and increased paternity concerns among older men could be driving factors.
A slight gender bias was also observed, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), possibly reflecting a cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
The primary reason cited for conducting DNA tests was “Peace of Mind,” accounting for 85.9% of the tests, rather than legal motivations.
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