A recent report by Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has revealed that 27% of men who underwent paternity tests were not the biological fathers of the children in question. The report, which covered July 2023 to June 2024, also showed a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, indicating a growing trend of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
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The report further revealed that Lagos dominated the DNA testing landscape, accounting for 73.1% of all tests conducted, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5%) and Island (32.5%). The Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53% of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3%), and Hausa (1.20%).
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the report, saying, “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.”
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The report also showed that most of the children tested were aged 0-five (54.0%), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41+ (45.6%) and 31-40 (37.0%) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.
Additionally, the report indicated a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), insinuating a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.
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