Smart DNA Report Reveals One In Four Nigerian Men Not Biological Fathers.
A new report from Smart DNA, Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centre, has uncovered a significant social issue, revealing that 25% of Nigerian men who undergo paternity testing are not the biological fathers of the children in question. The findings, part of the 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report covering July 2024 to June 2025, highlight a persistent challenge to family trust, particularly in urban areas like Lagos.
The report indicates a slight decrease from the 27% paternity exclusion rate recorded in 2024, yet the figure remains striking, with one in four tested men receiving negative results. Notably, firstborn children, especially sons, are the most affected, with 64% of disputed firstborn sons found not to be biologically related to their presumed fathers. Firstborn daughters also show elevated exclusion rates, prompting questions about early relationships and social dynamics in Nigeria.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, described the findings as a reflection of deeper issues surrounding trust and family structures. “These results are not just about science; they reveal profound challenges in relationships and the economic realities of Nigerian families,” she said. The report notes that 88.2% of tests were initiated by men, with nearly half of these being men aged 41 and above, suggesting financial stability plays a role in seeking paternity confirmation.
Geographically, Lagos dominates DNA testing, accounting for 69% of cases, with a noticeable shift from mainland areas to the island. Lekki leads with 20.3% of tests, followed by Yaba at 15.8%, and Ajah and Ikorodu at 10.5% each. The report also highlights ethnic trends, with Yoruba clients making up 53% of tests and Igbo clients 31.3%, while Hausa participation remains low at 1.2%.
A significant driver of testing is Nigeria’s ongoing emigration wave, known as the “Japa” phenomenon, with 13.1% of tests linked to immigration documentation for visa applications or dual citizenship. Children aged 0–5 years constitute 58.6% of those tested, indicating a growing trend of resolving paternity doubts early. Most tests (83.7%) are conducted for personal “peace of mind” rather than legal purposes, with only 1.4% being court-mandated.
The report underscores a critical gap in Nigerian law, as the country lacks specific legislation addressing paternity fraud, unlike nations such as South Africa. Smart DNA has called for urgent legal reforms and public health campaigns to normalise paternity discussions and integrate DNA testing into family planning and pre-marital counselling. “Some clients face years of emotional trauma or financial exploitation,” Digia noted, advocating for a national policy to address these issues.
Smart DNA clarified that the data reflects only cases where paternity was already in question and should not be generalised to the broader population. The firm emphasised its commitment to providing accurate results with compassion, aiming to foster clarity and reduce stigma around paternity testing in Nigeria.
This report highlights the evolving role of DNA testing in addressing family dynamics and underscores the need for broader societal dialogue on trust, lineage, and legal protections in Nigeria.
