LAGOS, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 – Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its 2024 report, highlighting significant trends in DNA testing across Nigeria.
Covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, the report provides deep insights into shifting societal dynamics, economic factors, and the changing structure of Nigerian families.
The findings, which have been made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), are both revealing and concerning, particularly in terms of paternity testing and immigration-related DNA tests.
One of the report’s most alarming revelations is the high rate of paternity uncertainty in Nigeria.
According to the data, 27% of paternity tests conducted during the reporting period came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men who took the test are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
This trend reflects ongoing challenges within the family unit, as well as the growing reliance on DNA testing to resolve paternity disputes.
Experts suggest that economic pressures, cultural changes, and increased awareness of DNA testing have contributed to this high rate of paternity uncertainty.
The findings have sparked debates among social commentators about the evolving nature of family structures in Nigeria and the impact of economic strain on relationships.
Beyond paternity issues, the report also highlighted a significant surge in DNA tests for immigration purposes.
Referred to as the “Japa” trend—a term commonly used to describe the increasing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad—this category of testing saw the most rapid growth.
Smart DNA’s data reveals that more Nigerians are turning to DNA tests to meet immigration requirements, with a growing number of parents with dual citizenship processing paperwork for their children’s emigration.
This trend reflects the broader socioeconomic challenges faced by many Nigerians, driving a desire to seek better prospects outside the country.
The report suggests that families are increasingly viewing emigration as a solution to economic hardships, leading to a rise in the demand for DNA testing as part of the immigration process.
In terms of regional dominance, Lagos unsurprisingly led the way, accounting for a staggering 73.1% of all DNA tests conducted in Nigeria during the period covered by the report.
This concentration in Lagos underscores the economic disparity within the country, as the majority of DNA tests were performed in the economic capital.
Furthermore, the report revealed a divide within Lagos itself, with the Mainland accounting for 67.5% of tests and the Island making up the remaining 32.5%.
This regional disparity raises concerns about access to DNA testing services in other parts of Nigeria.
Experts argue that the uneven distribution of these services highlights the need for greater accessibility, particularly in less affluent regions, to ensure that all Nigerians have equal opportunities to benefit from DNA testing.
Ethnic trends in the report also drew attention. The Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53% of the tests, followed by the Igbo at 31.3%. The Hausa ethnic group, by contrast, represented only 1.2% of the tests.
These figures suggest cultural and regional variations in the use of DNA testing services, possibly driven by differing levels of awareness and socioeconomic factors.
As DNA testing continues to play an increasingly important role in family decisions, legal matters, and immigration processes, the findings from Smart DNA’s report provide a valuable snapshot of current trends in Nigeria.
The report has sparked discussions on the need for better public awareness and access to DNA testing services across the country, as well as the broader implications of these trends for Nigerian society.
With paternity uncertainty and immigration pressures on the rise, the report underscores the evolving dynamics within Nigerian families and the growing importance of DNA testing in navigating these changes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
