1 in 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents, DNA Report Reveals
1 in 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents, DNA Report Reveals — A new report has exposed the scale of Nigeria’s paternity crisis, revealing that one in every four men tested is not the biological father of the children they are raising.
According to the 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report released by Lagos-based firm Smart DNA Nigeria, 25% of paternity tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 returned negative results.
While slightly lower than the 27% recorded in 2024, experts say the figures highlight deepening trust issues within Nigerian families.
Smart DNA’s Operations Manager, Elizabeth Digia, noted that the findings go beyond science, reflecting “serious questions of trust, relationships, and the economic realities affecting families.”
Key findings from the report:
Firstborn boys most affected: A staggering 64% of disputed paternity cases involved firstborn sons, far higher than later-born children.
“Japa” effect: Immigration-related DNA tests surged to 13.1%, as more families pursue documentation for foreign relocation.
Men driving the demand: 88.2% of DNA tests were requested by men, with nearly half of them aged 41 and above.
Young children targeted: 58.6% of cases involved children aged 0–5 years, as parents seek early clarity.
Regional demand: Lagos remains the epicentre of testing (69%), with Lekki, Yaba, Ajah, Ikorodu, Surulere, and Ikeja ranking highest.
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Ethnic breakdown: Yoruba families dominated testing at 53%, followed by Igbo at 31.3%, while Hausa participation was minimal (1.2%).
Peace of mind cases dominate: Over 83% of tests were carried out privately for reassurance, while only 1.4% were court-ordered.
Analysts say the growing numbers show how Nigerian families are turning to DNA testing for certainty in an era marked by migration and strained relationships.
Digia added: “Some clients have lived with doubts for years. The emotional and financial implications are huge. There’s now a clear need for policies to guide how these cases are handled.”
