A new report by Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has shown a spike in DNA testing trending across Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The report released on Sunday, September 1, covers the analysis of the period between July 2023 to June 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to SMART DNA, findings from its report show that paternity uncertainty remained high mostly due to the growing migration (japa) trend<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trend also suggested that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children\u2019s emigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Smart DNA operations manager, Elizabeth Digia, \u201cThe high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria,\u201d Digia said<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"