Rising Emigration Drives Surge in Paternity Tests as 27% of Nigerian Fathers Discover Children Aren’t Theirs

A recent report by Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center in Lagos, has revealed a sharp increase in paternity tests in Nigeria, driven largely by a surge in immigration-related testing.

Covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, the report indicates that 27% of paternity tests conducted during this time came back negative, meaning more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the findings, stating,

“These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society.

The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.”

The report attributes the increase in DNA testing to the growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad as they look for better job offers and a more stable economic environment.

The report also highlighted that Lagos dominated the number of tests, reflecting the region’s economic disparity.

Additionally, it noted a significant cultural impact, with a slight gender bias in child testing, as more tests were conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), suggesting a cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.

The report serves as a stark reminder for couples to maintain transparency in their relationships to avoid the devastating consequences of undisclosed truths.