Alarming Report Reveals 1 in 4 Nigerian Men Not Biological Fathers of Their Children

A recent report by Smart DNA has uncovered startling statistics about paternity in Nigeria, revealing that one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of their children. The 2024 report, which spans from July 2023 to June 2024, indicates that 27 percent of paternity tests conducted during this period returned negative results.

This discovery highlights a significant issue of paternity uncertainty within Nigerian society. The report also delves into various societal dynamics, economic factors, and shifting family structures, offering a comprehensive view of the changing landscape in the country.

One notable trend in the report is the dramatic rise in DNA testing for immigration purposes, a trend that correlates with the ongoing “Japa” phenomenon, where more Nigerians are seeking opportunities abroad. The surge suggests an increasing number of parents with dual citizenship are processing documentation for their children’s emigration.

The report also sheds light on economic disparities, revealing that 73.1 percent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a clear divide between the Mainland (67.5%) and Island (32.5%) areas. This concentration of tests in Lagos raises questions about the accessibility of such services in other regions of Nigeria.

In terms of gender, the report shows a stark imbalance in test initiation, with men requesting 88.2 percent of all paternity tests, compared to just 11.8 percent initiated by women. This significant disparity suggests deep-rooted issues related to gender roles, trust in relationships, and societal pressures regarding paternity.

Ethnic distribution data from the report reveals that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 percent of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3 percent, and the Hausa at a mere 1.20 percent. This distribution, which does not mirror Nigeria’s overall ethnic demographics, raises questions about varying cultural attitudes towards paternity testing across different ethnic groups.

Most of the children tested were between the ages of 0-5 years (54.0%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. The report also found that men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those aged 31-40 (37.0%) were the most likely to request paternity tests, which could reflect economic factors or heightened paternity concerns among older men.

A slight gender bias was observed in the testing of children, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than on female children (47.2%). This may suggest a cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.

The majority of tests (85.9%) were conducted for personal reasons, specifically for “Peace of Mind,” rather than for legal purposes, highlighting the personal nature of most DNA testing in Nigeria.

Commenting on the findings, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, stated, “These results provide a unique insight into the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society. The high rate of negative paternity tests and the rise in immigration-related testing reflect broader societal trends that deserve further discussion and research. Additionally, the concentration of testing in Lagos underscores the need to improve accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services nationwide.”