At Smart DNA, we are proud to present our 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, the most comprehensive analysis of paternity and relationship testing trends in Nigeria. As the leading DNA testing center in the country, we continue to provide accurate, confidential, and insightful data that helps families, policymakers, and researchers understand the evolving dynamics of paternity in Nigeria.

This year’s report builds on our 2024 findings, revealing both consistent patterns and surprising shifts in testing behaviors, regional disparities, and societal attitudes. Below, we break down the most important insights from July 2024 to June 2025..

Key Findings from the 2025 Report

1. Paternity Test Results: A Slight Decline in Negative Cases

• 1 in 4 paternity tests returned a negative result, meaning the tested man was not the biological father.
• This marks a small but notable decrease from the previous year.
• Firstborn sons were more likely to have negative results than firstborn daughters, reinforcing cultural emphasis on male lineage verification.

2. The “Japa” Effect: More Nigerians Testing for Immigration

• A significant rise in DNA tests for immigration purposes was observed, continuing the trend from 2024.
• This aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing emigration wave, as families seek to confirm biological relationships for visa applications, citizenship, and residency abroad.
• Many of these cases involve parents securing foreign documentation for their children, highlighting the allure of second passport .

3. Lagos Still Leads, But Other States Are Catching Up

• Lagos remains the hub for DNA testing, though its share of total tests decreased slightly compared to last year.
• Mainland vs. Island Testing:
  • The Mainland accounted for a smaller percentage of tests than in 2024, while Island areas saw increased demand.
  • Top testing locations in Lagos: Lekki, Yaba, Ajah, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Surulere.
• Outside Lagos, Delta, Ogun, Rivers, Abuja, and Oyo showed the highest testing activity, indicating gradual expansion of awareness and acceptance of DNA testing in other regions.

4. Who Is Getting Tested? Age, Gender & Ethnic Trends

• Older Men (41+) Still the Most Likely to Test – Nearly half of all tests were initiated by men in this age group, likely due to financial stability and accumulated doubts.
• More Male Children Tested Than Females – A slight but consistent gender gap persists, possibly reflecting cultural priorities.
• Children Aged 0-5 Dominated Testing – Over half of all tests were for young children, showing parents prefer early confirmation.
• Ethnic Distribution Remained Largely Unchanged – Yoruba and Igbo clients continued to dominate testing, while Hausa participation stayed minimal.

5. Why Are People Testing?

• “Peace of Mind” Still the Top Reason (83.7%) – Most tests were personal, not legally required.
• Immigration Tests Grew Significantly – Reflecting Nigeria’s emigration trends.
• Legal Tests Remained a Small Fraction – Only a tiny percentage were court-ordered.

How Does 2025 Compare to 2024?

What Do These Findings Mean for Nigeria?

1. For Families & Relationships: Building Trust Through Transparency

🔹 The High Rate of Negative Paternity Tests (24%) Signals a Trust Deficit

• While there was a slight decline from 2024, nearly 1 in 4 men discovering they are not the biological father has profound emotional and financial consequences.
• Recommendation: Couples should consider early paternity testing (even pre-birth via non-invasive methods) to prevent long-term disputes.

🔹 Firstborn Sons More Likely to Have Negative Results

• This suggests higher scrutiny on male lineage, possibly due to inheritance concerns.
• Recommendation: Families should normalize paternity discussions rather than treating them as taboo, reducing stigma and legal battles.

🔹 “Peace of Mind” Tests Dominate (83.7%)

• Most tests are not court-mandated but personally driven, indicating widespread underlying doubts.
• Recommendation: Relationship counseling services should integrate paternity transparency as part of pre-marital and family health programs.

2. For Policymakers & Legal Reform: Addressing Paternity Fraud & Child Rights

🔹 Nigeria Lacks Strong Legal Frameworks for Paternity Fraud

• Unlike some countries, Nigeria has no specific laws penalizing paternity fraud, leaving men with little recourse.
• Recommendation: Legislators should consider paternity fraud laws, similar to South Africa’s, where deceitful misattribution of paternity can lead to legal consequences.

3. For Healthcare & Public Awareness: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

🔹 Many Nigerians Still Don’t Understand DNA Testing

• Misconceptions persist, such as:
  • “DNA testing is only for rich people.”
  • “If a child looks like me, they must be mine.”
• Recommendation:
  • Public health campaigns should educate on the accuracy, affordability, and importance of DNA testing.

Conclusion: A Call for Proactive Change

The 2025 DNA Testing Report is more than data—it’s a roadmap for societal improvement. By addressing legal gaps, cultural barriers, and healthcare access, Nigeria can reduce paternity conflicts, protect children’s rights, and foster trust in families.

At Smart DNA, we remain committed to:
– Advocating for fair paternity laws

– Expanding affordable, accurate testing nationwide

– Educating Nigerians on the importance of DNA confirmation

Together, we can build a future where every child’s parentage is certain—and every family’s trust is unshaken.

Technical Notes and Methodology

Our 2025 report is based on comprehensive analysis of all relationship DNA tests conducted at our facility from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. All percentages are calculated from our complete client database, with appropriate statistical analysis applied

Important Disclaimers and Context

Sample Bias Considerations

We want to emphasize that our data reflects individuals who already have specific reasons to question paternity. Our client base is not representative of the general Nigerian population, and our negative result rates should not be extrapolated to suggest widespread paternity issues across all Nigerian families.

Confidentiality and Ethics

All our findings are based on aggregated, anonymized data. We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and ethical standards in both our testing procedures and data reporting.