A new report has revealed that one in four Nigerian fathers tested are not the biological parents of their children.
A new report by Smart DNA Nigeria has revealed that one in four paternity tests conducted in the country still returns a negative result, underscoring a persistent paternity crisis.
The 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report showed that 25 per cent of tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 excluded presumed fathers. Though lower than 2024’s 27 per cent, the firm described it as a “worrying and consistent trend.”
“These findings are not just about science; they tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today,” said Smart DNA Operations Manager, Elizabeth Digia.
The report noted that firstborn boys had the highest exclusion rate at 64 per cent, while most tests (88.2 per cent) were initiated by men. Lagos accounted for 69 per cent of cases, with Yoruba families making up the largest share.
Smart DNA urged legal reforms, warning that Nigeria lacks laws to address paternity fraud.