The country’s leading DNA testing centre, Smart DNA Nigeria, on Sunday released its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, revealing that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing surged to 13.1 per cent in 2025.
DNA is the genetic information inside the body’s cells that helps make people who they are.
A DNA paternity test determines the biological father of a child using genetic materials.
The study, analysing data from July 2024 to June 2025, also revealed startling insights into Nigeria’s family dynamics, including persistent paternity uncertainty and the profound impact of emigration on DNA testing demand.
It also revealed that paternity exclusion rate remains at 25 per cent as immigration testing surged.
“One in four tests still negative.
“The 2025 data shows 25 per cent of paternity tests returned negative results, a slight decrease from 27 per cent in 2024 but maintaining the worrying trend where 1 in 4 presumed fathers are not the biological parent,” the Centre said.
According to the report, firstborn children are significantly more likely to have negative paternity test results compared to non-firstborn children.
It said that while firstborn sons showed the highest discrepancy (64 per cent), firstborn daughters were also more likely to be biologically unrelated to their presumed fathers compared to later-born children.
“Immigration testing explodes amid “Japa” Wave Immigration-related DNA testing surged to 13.1 per cent of all tests, reflecting Nigeria’s unprecedented emigration trend.
“The increase indicates growing numbers of dual-citizenship families processing documentation for children’s relocation abroad, with many parents securing foreign documentation as “second passport” insurance.
“This consistent pattern raises serious questions about family structures, trust, and social arrangements in urban Nigeria,” the Centre said.
The report exposes a dramatic gender imbalance, with men initiating nearly nine out of 10 paternity tests while women account for just 11.8 per cent
This disparity underscores deep-seated gender roles where men predominantly seek paternity confirmation, often after years of accumulated doubts.
According to expert analysis, these findings are not just about science; they tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today.
The Operations Manager at Smart DNA, Elizabeth Digia, said the report calls for urgent action on multiple fronts such as Legal Reform, Healthcare Integration and Educational Outreach.
“Nigeria lacks specific paternity fraud laws, unlike South Africa, leaving men with little legal recourse when discovering non-paternity after years of financial responsibility.
“Public health campaigns should normalize paternity discussions and integrate DNA testing into pre-marital and family health programs.
“Misconceptions persist, including beliefs that DNA testing is only for wealthy families or that physical resemblance guarantees paternity.
“Our role is to provide certainty through accurate testing while encouraging sensitive handling of the life-changing information our clients receive,” Digia said.
—–How To Tell If A Child Is Yours Without A DNA Test? —–
While DNA testing is the only definitive way to confirm parentage, certain observations can provide clues about a potential biological connection. These include examining physical resemblances, analyzing blood types, and considering unique inherited traits. However, these methods are not foolproof and should not be taken as conclusive proof.
Here’s a more detailed look:
- Physical Appearance:
Similarities:
Look for shared physical traits like eye color, hair color, skin tone, and facial features (nose shape, earlobe shape, lip shape, etc.).
Inherited Traits:
Some individuals have unique inherited traits (like birthmarks in specific locations) that can be passed down. Checking for these can offer clues.
Subjectivity:
It’s important to remember that appearance can be subjective, and children can inherit traits from various family members, not just their parents.
- Blood Type:
Inheritance Patterns:
Blood types follow predictable inheritance patterns. A child must inherit one allele from each parent. For example, if a parent has type A and the other has type B, the child could have types A, B, or AB. If a child has a blood type that is incompatible with the parents’ blood types, it suggests a potential issue.
Limitations:
While blood type can rule out parentage, it cannot confirm it. A child can inherit a compatible blood type from someone who is not their biological parent.
- Unique Inherited Traits:
Specific Traits: Some individuals have unique, visually identifiable traits (like earlobe shape, hair texture, or other subtle features) that can be passed down. If the child shares such a trait with a potential parent, it may suggest a connection.
Caution: These traits are not universal and may not be present in all families.
- Relationship Timeline:
Conception:
Consider the timing of conception in relation to sexual interactions. If there are clear gaps in the timeline or inconsistencies, it may raise questions about parentage.
Exclusive Relationships:
If the parents were in an exclusive relationship during the relevant period, it makes it more likely that the child is theirs.
- Parental Relationship:
Beyond Biology: It’s crucial to remember that being a parent goes beyond biological ties. Love, care, and emotional connection are essential parts of the parent-child relationship.
DID YOU KNOW?
DNA Tests Can Be Inaccurate and False
The law uses DNA testing in a variety of ways. In family law, litigants normally use it to establish paternity. The consequences of a DNA test, then, can be dramatic and permanent.
It is disturbing to note that DNA tests are sometimes inaccurate. If you uncover inaccurate DNA testing and you can trace the error to the paternity testing firm, you can file a claim against them.
The Accuracy of DNA Tests
DNA tests can utilize cheek swabs or blood tests. Either way, at a reputable lab, they are 99.9% effective in determining paternity. Of course, 99.9% is not 100%. If you fall within the 0.1%, it might not be anybody’s fault.
Instead, fault might lie in the inherent weaknesses of the testing method. Don’t assume this is the culprit, however–a false DNA test is probably the result of avoidable error.
Reasons for DNA Testing Errors
There are many ways that a DNA test might go wrong. The following are some of the most common:
- Sample contamination;
- Mistakes during sample collection, handling, labeling, processing, or analysis;
- Technical limitations (not anyone’s fault);
- Testing kit errors;
- Flaws in the overall testing procedure;
- Misinterpretation of test results;
- Chimerism (a rare genetic condition that occurs when one person has two or more different sets of DNA);
- Identical twins (standard DNA tests cannot distinguish between DNA from identical twins);
- Chain of custody issues; or
- Fraud (intentional planting of DNA samples, for example).
——The Consequences of Inaccurate DNA Testing——
Inaccurate DNA testing in family law cases can have devastating legal, emotional, and social consequences, including:
- Incorrect determination of paternity, with impact on child custody, child support, visitation rights, and inheritance.
- Emotional trauma and false accusations of infidelity.
- Complex legal battles to overturn previous decisions.
- Impact on the child’s best interests.
- Social stigma, reputation damage, and relationship strain.
- Impact on inheritance rights.
- Adoption disputes.
In many cases, the damage cannot be undone even if the error is later corrected.
