Paternity Shock: 1 in 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents — DNA Report Reveals Alarming Trend

Amid growing concerns over paternity fraud and eroding trust in family structures, a new report by Smart DNA Nigeria has revealed that one in four Nigerian men who undergo paternity testing are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

The 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, released this week by the Lagos-based genetic testing firm, disclosed that 25% of all paternity tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 returned negative results—a slight decrease from 27% in 2024, but still indicative of what experts describe as a “worrying and consistent trend.”

“These findings are not just about science; they tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA.

Firstborn Boys Most Likely to Be Affected

One of the most striking findings in the report is that firstborn children, especially sons, had the highest exclusion rates, with 64% of firstborn boys tested found not to be biologically related to the presumed fathers. Later-born siblings showed significantly lower rates.

Rise in Immigration-Driven Testing

As Nigeria’s emigration wave—popularly known as the “Japa” phenomenon—continues to surge, the report notes a sharp increase in DNA testing for immigration purposes, now accounting for 13.1% of all tests conducted, up from previous years.

“Many of our clients are dual-citizenship families processing DNA documentation for children, often as part of long-term emigration plans,” the report noted.

Men Driving DNA Demand

The gender breakdown of test initiators revealed that 88.2% of paternity tests were requested by men, while only 11.8% came from women. Older men aged 41 and above made up the largest age group, accounting for 45.5% of all tests—suggesting that financial independence and delayed suspicion may influence decisions to verify paternity.

Children aged zero to five represented the majority of those tested, at 58.6%, reflecting a trend toward early verification to avoid future legal, emotional, or inheritance complications.

Lagos Leads, Island Demand Surges

Lagos State remains the epicenter of DNA testing in Nigeria, accounting for 69% of all tests. However, there has been a notable shift in demand from the Mainland to the Island, with Lekki (20.3%), Yaba (15.8%), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5% each), and Surulere and Ikeja (9% each) emerging as top testing locations.

Cultural and Ethnic Disparities

Ethnic distribution among clients continues to be dominated by Yoruba families (53%), followed by Igbo (31.3%). Hausa participation remained low at just 1.2%, indicating potential cultural hesitancy or differing attitudes toward DNA testing.

Interestingly, 83.7% of DNA tests were requested purely for “peace of mind”, while only 1.4% were court-mandated, suggesting a personal—not legal—drive behind most paternity investigations.

Male children made up 53.8% of those tested, reflecting a continuing cultural emphasis on verifying male lineage, possibly due to concerns over inheritance rights or family name continuity.

Emotional Fallout and Call for Policy Reform

“We’re seeing more people come forward with doubts they’ve harboured for years,” Digia added. “Some of these cases involve emotional trauma and even financial exploitation. A policy framework is overdue.”

She also warned that the figures may not reflect the broader population, as they represent families already experiencing suspicion or conflict:

“Our figures reflect those who already had reason to question paternity, and as such, the results should not be extrapolated to all Nigerian families.”

As the demand for DNA testing continues to rise, experts say the data reveals more than science—it underscores a growing identity crisis at the heart of Nigerian family life.