Nigeria’s DNA Testing Soars to 13.1% as Paternity Doubts Persist — Smart DNA Report

A recent report from Smart DNA Nigeria reveals that DNA testing in the country surged by 13.1% between July 2024 and June 2025, largely driven by a spike in tests for immigration-related purposes amid Nigeria’s ongoing “Japa” trend.

Despite the rise, issues of paternity uncertainty remain high: one in four paternity tests came back negative, signifying that 25% of presumed fathers were not the biological parent — a minor drop from 27% in the previous year.

Experts highlight an alarming trend: firstborn children, especially sons, have the highest rate of non-paternity results at 64%. The report also noted that the majority of tests—almost nine out of ten—were initiated by men, often for “peace of mind,” and emphasized the need for reforms in paternity fraud laws, increased public education, and healthcare integration.

What do you think is driving this growing demand for DNA testing in Nigeria — trust issues, the Japa wave, or something deeper? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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