Are you sure you are the father of that child?
You will be hurt if you aren’t. Cogitate.
Meanwhile, the latest findings from Smart DNA’s comprehensive 2024 report have sent shockwaves through Nigerian society, revealing that 27% of men who underwent paternity testing are not the biological fathers of the children they believed to be their own.
This unsettling statistic, which translates to more than one in four men, has raised important questions about the dynamics of family and trust in the country.
The report, which analyzed data from July 2023 to June 2024, offers a deep dive into the factors behind this phenomenon. It’s not just a matter of familial relations but also a reflection of broader societal changes. For instance, a significant increase in DNA testing has been linked to the “Japa” trend—Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. Immigration-related DNA tests surged, highlighting the increasing number of parents processing dual citizenship paperwork for their children.
Geographically, Lagos stands out as the epicenter of this trend, with a staggering 73.1% of all DNA tests conducted in the state. This heavy concentration underscores the economic disparities within the country, particularly between Lagos Mainland (67.5%) and Island (32.5%). Ethnically, the Yoruba accounted for the majority of these tests at 53%, followed by the Igbo at 31.3% and the Hausa at a mere 1.2%.
The report also punched in that men are overwhelmingly the ones initiating these tests—88.2% of requests come from men, reflecting growing concerns about paternity, especially among older men aged 41 and above.
Interestingly, the majority of children tested are between the ages of 0-5, suggesting a societal preference for early paternity confirmation. Moreover, a slight bias towards testing male children (52.8%) over female children (47.2%) points to possible cultural inclinations.
Despite the legal implications, the primary driver behind these tests remains personal peace of mind, accounting for 85.9% of the motivations cited. This trend, coupled with the high rate of negative results, raises critical discussions about the changing fabric of Nigerian families and the impact of economic pressures on family structures.
These revelations not only challenge traditional notions of family in Nigeria but also call for a broader conversation on trust, access to testing, and the societal factors that are driving such a high rate
Tough!
