A new report from Smart DNA, a DNA testing centre, shows that one in every four Nigerian men who undergo paternity testing is not the biological father of the child tested
The findings are detailed in the company’s 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, covering July 2024 to June 2025.
While the rate has slightly declined from 27% in 2024 to 25% in 2025, experts warn that the persistently high figures point to a growing, largely unspoken social issue in Nigeria.
“These findings are not just about science; they speak volumes about trust, relationships, and the economic and emotional realities of Nigerian families today,” said Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA Nigeria.
The report highlights a particularly high exclusion rate among firstborn children.
Data shows that 64% of firstborn sons tested were not biologically related to their presumed fathers, making them the most likely to return negative results. Firstborn daughters also showed above-average exclusion rates, though lower than sons.
Analysts suggest that these patterns may be linked to early romantic relationships, pre-marital pregnancies, or social strategies surrounding partner selection.
The trend raises sensitive questions about how paternity is assumed and socially accepted in Nigeria, where male lineage is closely tied to legacy, inheritance, and family continuity.
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