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1 in 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents, New DNA Report Reveals

August 18, 2025
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A recent report by Nigeria’s forensic laboratory, Smart DNA, has revealed that one in four men who underwent paternity testing between July 2024 and June 2025 were not the biological fathers of the children in question.

The 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, released in Lagos, underscores growing concerns about family trust and social stability, particularly in Nigeria’s urban centres.

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According to the report, 25 per cent of paternity tests returned negative results, a slight decrease from the 27 per cent recorded in 2024. Firstborn children were disproportionately affected, with 64 per cent of disputed firstborn sons and a significant share of firstborn daughters found not to belong to their presumed fathers.

“This pattern raises serious questions about family structures, trust, and social arrangements in urban Nigeria,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA. “DNA testing is no longer just about disputes it is about certainty, documentation, and peace of mind.”

The report also noted a geographic shift in DNA testing requests within Lagos. Lekki accounted for the highest share at 20.3 per cent, followed by Yaba (15.8 per cent) and Ajah (10.5 per cent). Mainland hubs such as Surulere and Ikeja recorded nine per cent each, while Ikorodu contributed 10.5 per cent. Digia said the trend reflects the pressures of Lagos’s growing middle class, many of whom seek DNA verification for family clarity as well as immigration purposes.

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Immigration-related testing surged to 13.1 per cent of all cases, reflecting the wave of Nigerians seeking documentation to support migration applications. Children between ages 0 and 5 made up 58.6 per cent of all tested individuals up from 54 per cent in 2024 signaling that parents are increasingly resolving questions of lineage early. Male children were tested more frequently than females, at 53.8 per cent versus 46.2 per cent, in line with cultural emphasis on male lineage in inheritance and family continuity.

Ethnic breakdowns showed Yoruba clients accounted for 53 per cent of DNA requests, followed by Igbo at 31.3 per cent, while Hausa clients represented just 1.2 per cent. Most tests, 83.7 per cent, were conducted for “peace of mind” rather than legal disputes, with only 1.4 per cent mandated by courts.

The report highlighted the absence of paternity fraud laws in Nigeria, leaving men without legal recourse when non-paternity is discovered after years of financial responsibility. Digia urged policymakers to integrate DNA testing into family health and premarital programmes, while also calling for public education to reduce stigma.

Smart DNA noted that the rising demand for DNA testing is not just influencing family decisions but also forcing Nigeria to confront deeper cultural and social questions around identity, trust, and parental rights.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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