A new report by Smart DNA, a Lagos-based forensic laboratory, has revealed that 25 per cent of Nigerian 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 shows that one in four tested men received negative results — slightly lower than the 27 per cent recorded in 2024. Firstborn children were the most affected, with 64 per cent of disputed firstborn sons and many 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 highlighted a shift in the geography of DNA testing across Lagos. Lekki led with 20.3 per cent of tests, followed by Yaba (15.8 per cent) and Ajah (10.5 per cent). Surulere and Ikeja each accounted for nine per cent, while Ikorodu matched Ajah at 10.5 per cent.
Immigration-related DNA testing also rose to 13.1 per cent of all cases, driven by Nigerians seeking documentation amid the ongoing Japa wave. Children between ages 0 and 5 made up 58.6 per cent of tests — an increase from 54 per cent in 2024 — as parents sought to resolve paternity questions earlier. Boys were tested more often than girls (53.8 per cent versus 46.2 per cent), reflecting traditional concerns about inheritance and family lineage.
Ethnic distribution showed Yoruba clients leading at 53 per cent, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent) and Hausa (1.2 per cent). Most tests (83.7 per cent) were conducted for “peace of mind,” while only 1.4 per cent were court-mandated.
Digia called for regulatory reform, noting that Nigeria currently has no specific laws addressing paternity fraud. “Men are often left without legal recourse when non-paternity is discovered years later. Public health campaigns should normalise paternity discussions and integrate DNA testing into pre-marital and family health programmes,” she said.
Smart DNA recommended embedding DNA testing into healthcare and family planning initiatives to reduce stigma and ensure clarity in family documentation.
The findings reflect not just personal disputes but also broader cultural shifts, with rising demand for DNA testing in urban centres exposing deep questions about trust, identity, and the future of family structures in Nigeria.
