A recent nationwide report from Smart DNA, widely recognized as Nigeria’s foremost DNA testing centre, has brought fresh attention to a matter that continues to stir debate across the country. The report discloses that one out of every four Nigerian men who take part in paternity testing ultimately discovers that he is not the biological father of the child concerned. This statistic underscores the growing demand for DNA verification services and highlights a complex reality within family structures in Nigeria today.
The comprehensive data is contained in the organization’s 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, covering the period between July 2024 and June 2025. Interestingly, the results show a small decline in cases when compared to the previous year — from 27% in 2024 to 25% in 2025. While the decrease is seen as marginally positive, experts caution that the consistently high figures still point toward a significant and largely unspoken social dilemma that cuts across multiple aspects of Nigerian society.
Speaking on the findings, Elizabeth Digia, the Operations Manager at Smart DNA Nigeria, emphasized that the report transcends scientific data. “These findings are not just about science; they speak volumes about trust, relationships, and the economic and emotional realities of Nigerian families today,” she noted. Her words highlight how the revelations affect not only individuals and households but also larger cultural and societal norms.
One of the most striking aspects of the report revolves around the exclusion rates among firstborn children. According to the figures, as many as 64% of firstborn sons tested were proven not to be biologically related to their assumed fathers, a statistic that positions them as the group most likely to return negative results in paternity checks. Firstborn daughters were also found to have higher-than-average exclusion rates, though these were not as extreme as those recorded for sons. This particular trend has raised deep questions about family dynamics and expectations placed on the first child in Nigerian homes.
Analysts and sociologists who reviewed the report suggest that these patterns may be connected to early romantic involvements, cases of pre-marital pregnancies, or cultural strategies tied to relationships and marriage choices. They argue that the results bring forward sensitive discussions around how paternity is often assumed without verification and how it is socially accepted within Nigerian communities. In a country where male lineage carries significant weight, symbolizing legacy, inheritance rights, and the continuation of family names, the findings point to an issue that touches the very heart of identity and belonging in society.
Overall, the 2025 Smart DNA report does more than reveal numbers — it shines a light on hidden realities within Nigerian families and emphasizes the importance of dialogue, trust, and transparency in relationships. As more men and women turn to DNA testing for clarity, the conversation around paternity and family identity is expected to grow even louder in the years to come.