By: The daily Torch media
A recent report has ranked Nigeria as the second-highest country globally for paternity fraud, with Jamaica taking the top spot. The findings, based on data from DNA testing centers and studies conducted between 2020 and 2025, highlight a troubling trend in Nigeria, where approximately 25–30% of paternity tests reveal that men are not the biological fathers of children they believed were theirs. This places Nigeria just behind Jamaica, which has a paternity fraud rate of about 34.6%.
According to Smart DNA, a leading genetic testing center in Lagos, its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report—covering cases from July 2024 to June 2025—revealed that 25% of paternity tests in Nigeria disproved assumed fatherhood, with firstborn children, particularly sons, being the most affected.
The report also highlighted a sharp increase in immigration-related DNA testing, as families pursuing relocation abroad are increasingly required to provide paternity verification for documentation.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, described the findings as “troubling for family stability” and called for legal reforms to address paternity fraud, noting that Nigeria currently has no specific laws protecting men who discover they have been unknowingly raising non-biological children.
The high rate of paternity fraud in Nigeria has been attributed to a complex mix of factors. Experts highlight cultural pressures—such as societal expectations around marriage and childbearing—alongside economic challenges and limited access to affordable DNA testing.
Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, CEO of Stack Diagnostics, noted that while the widely cited 30% figure may be affected by sampling bias, it still points to a serious concern. He explained that many Nigerians either do not know where to access paternity testing or consider it too expensive, allowing many cases to remain undetected.
In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Canada report significantly lower paternity fraud rates—1.6% and 2.8%, respectively—thanks to wider access to DNA testing and stronger legal oversight.
In Nigeria, the lack of comprehensive legal frameworks addressing paternity fraud leaves affected men with limited options, often resulting in emotional trauma and family breakdowns.
Legal practitioner Maryam Bello noted that under Nigerian law, children born within a valid marriage are presumed legitimate. However, this presumption can be challenged through DNA evidence, provided the proper legal processes are followed.
