Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing center in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024.
The report reveals several surprising insights into Nigeria’s societal dynamics, economic factors, and evolving family structures.
According to the report, which was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, paternity uncertainty remains notably high. A staggering 27% of paternity tests conducted returned negative results, indicating that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question.
Another significant finding is the surge in DNA tests for immigration purposes, reflecting the ongoing “Japa” trend. The report notes that immigration-related DNA tests have seen the most considerable growth, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
This trend also suggests an increasing number of parents with dual citizenship are preparing to emigrate with their children.
Lagos emerged as the dominant region for DNA testing, with a remarkable 73.1% of all tests conducted in the state. Within Lagos, the Mainland accounted for 67.5% of tests, while the Island saw 32.5%, underscoring the economic disparities within the city and highlighting potential access issues to such services in other parts of Nigeria.
The report also highlights that the Yoruba ethnic group made up 53% of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%, with the Hausa ethnic group accounting for only 1.20%.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, commented on the findings, stating, “These results provide a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
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The high rate of negative paternity tests and the rise in immigration-related testing are particularly significant, reflecting broader societal trends that deserve further discussion and research.
The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.
As a company, we are committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
The report also provides interesting demographic insights, revealing that most of the children tested were aged 0-5 years (54%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41 and above (45.6%) and those between 31-40 years (37%) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting economic capabilities or heightened paternity concerns among older men.
Additionally, the report indicates a slight gender bias in child testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) than female children (47.2%), suggesting a possible cultural preference for confirming the paternity of male offspring.
Finally, the report underscores that the majority of DNA tests (85.9%) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind,’ rather than for legal reasons, highlighting the primary motivation behind these tests.
(NAN)
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