1 in 4 Nigerian Children Fail DNA Test: Fresh Report Sparks National Debate on Paternity, Marriage and Trust
Story written by Okafor Joseph Agust 30,2025
The study, conducted by Smart DNA Nigeria covering July 2024 to June 2025, showed that 25% of paternity tests returned negative, only slightly down from 27% in 2024. The revelation has fueled widespread arguments around marital fidelity, rising paternity fraud, and the emotional toll DNA testing brings on families.
Key Findings from the Report
- Firstborn children most affected: 64% of excluded cases were firstborn sons.
- Men drive testing: Men initiated 88.2% of all tests, largely due to suspicion of infidelity, while women accounted for 11.8%.
- Age & wealth influence: Nearly half of tests were ordered by men aged 41 and above, often with financial stability to pursue answers.
- Children tested young: Most tests involved children aged 0–5 years, showing parents’ preference for early clarity.
- Regional distribution: Lagos accounted for 69% of all tests, with Lekki emerging as the top location (20.3%).
- Ethnic breakdown: Yoruba clients made up 53%, Igbo 31.3%, and Hausa 1.2%, reflecting cultural differences in attitudes toward DNA testing.
- Immigration factor: 13.1% of tests were linked to immigration cases, fueled by Nigeria’s ongoing “Japa” wave as families seek citizenship abroad.
- Peace of mind vs. legal cases: A staggering 83.7% of DNA tests were done for peace of mind, while only 1.4% were court-mandated.
Emotional and Social Fallout
While DNA testing is hailed as a breakthrough in science, the results often cause family breakdown, emotional trauma, and strained marriages. When results contradict expectations, not only fathers but also children—especially adults—suffer psychological damage.
Clinical psychologist, Dr. Dipo Olawale, warned against indiscriminate testing:
“A man should not just subject his children to a DNA test because of suspicion. If the result comes back negative, the emotional shock could destroy families and even lead to violence or death,” he cautioned.
On the other side of the debate, some argue early DNA testing is essential to avoid future heartbreak.
Community leader, Chief Wole Adegbola, insisted:
“It is better for a man to know early, even if he still decides to raise the child. Many men have discovered too late, after investing in a child’s upbringing, only to find out they were deceived. That truth is more devastating than an early test.”
Wider Implications
The findings raise serious questions about trust, family structures, inheritance, and social stability in Nigeria’s urban centers. Experts are calling for:
- Legal reforms to address paternity fraud.
- Public education on DNA testing.
- Integration into healthcare systems for better handling of sensitive cases.
Smart DNA Operations Manager, Elizabeth Digia, summed it up:
“These statistics reflect more than science. They reveal the fragile realities of trust, relationships, and the economic struggles within Nigerian families today.”
As the national conversation deepens, one thing is clear: the issue of DNA testing is no longer just a private family matter, but a social and cultural debate with far-reaching consequences for Nigerian marriages and society.
