Concerns are growing, among Nigerians , over a report that about 25% of men tested are not the biological fathers of the children they are raising.
Specifically, the 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report was released on Monday by Smart DNA Nigeria, the country’s leading DNA testing centre.
The report, covering July 2024 to June 2025, shows that 25% of paternity tests excluded presumed fathers, a marginal drop from 27% recorded in 2024.
Although slightly down from the 27 per cent recorded in the previous year, the data confirmed a troubling and persistent trend in which many presumed fathers turn out not to be biologically related to their children.
According to the Lagos-based DNA testing firm in a statement released on Sunday, the findings reflect a growing awareness and demand for scientific confirmation of paternity, especially in urban areas where social pressures, infidelity suspicions, and legal implications are prompting more men to seek clarity.
The report further revealed that firstborn children, particularly sons, were the most likely to return negative paternity results.
The report further revealed that firstborn children, particularly sons, were the most likely to return negative paternity results.
Smart DNA disclosed that 64 per cent of all discrepancies involved firstborn sons, while firstborn daughters were also significantly more likely to be misattributed compared to younger siblings.
The study also showed that men overwhelmingly initiate paternity tests, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of cases.
Women, on the other hand, made up just 11.8 per cent of those requesting DNA tests.
Beyond personal enquiries, the report identified a sharp rise in immigration-related DNA testing, which now constitutes 13.1 per cent of all DNA cases handled by the firm.
Smart DNA noted that a growing number of Nigerian parents are using such documentation as a form of “second passport insurance”, ensuring their children can obtain legal status in another country if the need arises.
This trend, the firm said, not only reflects Nigeria’s economic and political challenges but also reveals the extent to which families are now making long-term migration plans with DNA evidence as a central requirement.
The Operations Manager at Smart DNA Nigeria, Elizabeth Digia, called on policymakers and institutions to take urgent action in response to the findings.
She lamented the absence of specific laws in Nigeria addressing paternity fraud, a legal gap that leaves many men without recourse after discovering that they are not the biological fathers of children they may have raised for years.
Digia said there was a need for reforms that include integrating DNA testing into family health and premarital counselling programmes.
She also advocated for nationwide public awareness campaigns aimed at correcting misconceptions around DNA testing, such as the belief that it is only accessible to wealthy families or that physical resemblance is enough to confirm biological ties.
According to her, many clients are left emotionally shaken by test results, and the firm now has protocols in place to offer support for families dealing with the fallout of unexpected findings.
“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 normalise 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.
