A new report from Smart DNA, Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centre, has revealed that one in every four Nigerian men who undergo paternity testing is not the biological father of the child in question.
“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.
Analysts suggest that these patterns may be linked to early romantic relationships, pre-marital pregnancies, or social strategies around partner selection. The trend also raises sensitive questions about how paternity is initially assumed and socially accepted in Nigeria, particularly in a culture where male lineage is strongly tied to legacy, inheritance, and the continuity of family names.