Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024.
The report unveils several
astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors,
and changing family structures in Nigeria.
The report, which was made available
to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday showed that paternity
uncertainty remained high.
According to it, 27 per cent of
paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in
four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
It also showed Immigration
Tests surge, indicating that the “Japa” trend was high.
The report noted a significant
increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other
test type, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
The trend also suggested that a
growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for
their children’s emigration
On regional dominance, the
report showed that Lagos dominated, a reflection of economic disparity.
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 highlighted
the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about
access to such services in other parts of the country.
It also showed that 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.
Commenting on the report, Elizabeth
Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said: “These findings offer a unique
window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
“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,’’ she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) reports that the statistics showed that most of the children tested were
aged 0-five (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity
confirmation.
Men aged 41+ (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.
Also, it indicated slight
gender bias in Child Testing as more tests were conducted on male children
(52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), insinuating a a possible
cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.
According to the report, peace
of mind dominates reasons for the DNA testings as the majority of tests (85.9
per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations
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