Smart DNA, a prominent Lagos-based DNA testing center, recently conducted an extensive analysis of relationship DNA tests from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, shedding light on the DNA testing landscape in Nigeria. The report, released on Tuesday, revealed significant insights.
Of those tested, 73.88% confirmed their biological paternity, while 26.12% received negative results. Lagos accounted for the majority of tests at 82.89%, followed by Oyo (3.29%), Ogun (3.07%), FCT (2.63%), and Rivers (2.41%). The concentration in Lagos can be attributed to Smart DNA’s office location, the state’s economic power, and population density.
The primary reason for testing was ‘Peace of Mind’ (89.10%), followed by ‘Immigration’ (8.97%) and ‘Legal’ (0.64%). Men initiated testing more often (86.44%) than women (13.56%), possibly due to paternity doubts.
Ethnically, Yoruba (61.23%) and Igbo (19.07%) groups dominated, reflecting Lagos’ demographic distribution. Male children were tested more frequently (56.62%), hinting at a preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.
The majority of tests were on children aged 0-5 years (58.02%) and 6-12 years (25.95%). The test-takers were mainly aged 31-40 (40%) and 41-50 (23%), suggesting a financial capacity to afford testing.
Smart DNA says it remains dedicated to offering accredited DNA testing services, contributing valuable insights into relationship DNA testing trends in Nigeria.
