By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Smart DNA 2024 report has shown that one in four paternity (Nigerian deoxyribonucleic acid) (DNA) tests is in the negative just as findings also indicated that people tend to embark on such an exercise for other reasons.
Smart DNA, a DNA testing center in Lagos, released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024. The report unveils several shocking revelations that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria.
Highlighting key areas, it disclosed that paternity uncertainty remains high and a revelation that may spark nationwide discussions as 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children in question.
According to the report, this statistic underscores the prevalence of paternity uncertainty in Nigerian society while immigration tests surge, reflecting “Japa” trend report noted a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other test type; this surge aligns with the ongoing “Japa” phenomenon, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
The trend further suggests a growing number of parents with dual citizenship are processing paperwork for their children’s emigration.
Another key area; Lagos dominates, reflecting economic disparity: the report states that an overwhelming 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent). This concentration highlights the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country.
Also, gender imbalance in test initiation; men initiated a staggering 88.2 per cent of all test requests, compared to just 11.8 per cent by women. This significant disparity raises questions about gender roles, trust issues in relationships, and societal pressures on paternity certainty.
While ethnic distribution raises questions; The Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo 31.3 per cent, with Hausa at only 1.20 per cent. This distribution, which doesn’t align with national ethnic demographics, should prompt discussions about cultural attitudes towards paternity testing and genetic science across different Nigerian ethnicities.
Age insights, the report states that most tested children were aged 0-5 (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41 plus (45.6 per cent) and 31-40 (37.0 per cent) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.
Peace of mind dominates test reasons; the vast majority of tests (85.9 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind,’ highlighting the personal rather than legal motivations behind most DNA testing in Nigeria.
On the other hand, slight gender bias in child testing; more tests were conducted on male children (52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), hinting at a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.
“These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA.
“The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. They reflect broader societal trends that merit 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’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.”
Sun
