Paternity Crisis: 1 in 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents — Report

Lagos, Nigeria — A new report has shed light on Nigeria’s deepening paternity crisis, revealing that one in four men who undergo DNA testing are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

According to the 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report by Lagos-based Smart DNA Nigeria, 25 per cent of paternity tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 returned negative results. Although slightly lower than the 27 per cent recorded in 2024, the figures highlight what the company described as a “worrying and consistent trend.”

Trust, Family, and Social Implications

Smart DNA’s Operations Manager, Elizabeth Digia, noted that the findings extend beyond science. “These results tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today. Our role is to provide certainty while encouraging sensitive handling of the life-changing information clients receive,” she said.

The report also revealed that firstborn children, particularly sons, were most affected, with firstborn boys recording a 64 per cent exclusion rate—far higher than later-born siblings.

Emigration Fuels DNA Testing Demand

Immigration-related DNA tests surged to 13.1 per cent of all cases, reflecting Nigeria’s escalating emigration wave, popularly known as the “Japa” phenomenon. Many families now require DNA documentation as part of relocation or dual-citizenship processes.

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

Who Is Testing?

The study found that men initiated 88.2 per cent of paternity tests, while women accounted for only 11.8 per cent. Older men, especially those aged 41 and above, represented nearly half of all clients, underscoring the influence of financial stability in pursuing verification.

Children aged 0 to 5 years made up 58.6 per cent of those tested, up from 54 per cent in the previous year, showing a growing desire among parents for early clarity.

Where the Tests Happen

Lagos State accounted for the majority of tests (69 per cent), with demand shifting from the Mainland to the Island. Lekki (20.3%), Yaba (15.8%), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5% each), and Surulere and Ikeja (9% each) ranked as the top testing hubs.

Ethnic distribution revealed that Yoruba families dominated (53%), followed by Igbo families (31.3%). Participation among Hausa families remained minimal at 1.2 per cent, pointing to cultural differences in perceptions of paternity testing.

Motives Behind Testing

A vast majority — 83.7 per cent of tests — were carried out for “peace of mind,” while court-mandated tests accounted for just 1.4 per cent. Male children were tested slightly more than females (53.8 per cent), reflecting cultural emphasis on verifying male lineage, particularly for inheritance and family name preservation.

A Call for Policy Framework

Digia stressed that while the figures reflect only families with pre-existing doubts, the trend highlights the need for structured policy.

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