Report: Over 1 in 4 Nigerian Men Are Raising Non-Biological Children.
Smart DNA has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024. The report reveals significant insights into paternity testing and other DNA-related trends in the country. According to the findings, 27% of paternity tests conducted during this period came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question. This high rate of negative paternity tests has raised concerns and sparked discussions about the changing dynamics of Nigerian families.
The report also highlights a notable increase in DNA tests conducted for immigration purposes. This surge is attributed to the growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, particularly among parents with dual citizenship who are processing emigration paperwork for their children. This trend reflects broader societal shifts and the increasing demand for DNA testing in various legal and personal contexts.
Geographically, Lagos dominated the DNA testing landscape, accounting for an overwhelming 73.1% of all tests conducted in the country. Within Lagos, 67.5% of the tests were carried out on the Mainland, while 32.5% were conducted on the Island. The report suggests that this regional dominance is a reflection of economic disparities and the concentration of testing services in more affluent areas.
Ethnically, the Yoruba group accounted for 53% of the DNA tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, and the Hausa at only 1.2%. These statistics highlight the varying levels of engagement with DNA testing across different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The report also sheds light on demographic trends in paternity testing. Most of the children tested were aged 0-5 years (54%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those aged 31-40 (37%) were the most likely to request tests, possibly due to economic capabilities or heightened paternity concerns in older men. Additionally, there was a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) compared to female children (47.2%), suggesting a cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the report, noting that the findings offer a unique perspective on the evolving family dynamics and societal trends in Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of further discussion and research to understand the implications of these trends, particularly in relation to the accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across the country.
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