Yoruba Record Highest as DNA Testing Surge In Nigeria – Report

A new report by Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has shown a spike in DNA testing trending across Nigeria.

The report released on Sunday, September 1, covers the analysis of the period between July 2023 to June 2024.

According to SMART DNA, findings from its report show that paternity uncertainty remained high mostly due to the growing migration (japa) trend

It said 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.

The trend also suggested that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children’s emigration.

On regions, the SMART DNA report indicated that 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a strong divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent).

The report also showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent), with Hausa at only 1.20 per cent.

According to Smart DNA operations manager, Elizabeth Digia, “The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.

“They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.

“The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria,” Digia said