The Good DNA’s 2024 report has revealed that one in 4 males examined in Nigeria weren’t the organic fathers of their kids as 27 p.c of paternity take a look at performed got here out unfavourable.
The report, protecting July 2023 to June 2024 unveiled a number of startling findings that make clear societal dynamics, financial elements, and altering household buildings within the nation.
Based on the report, 27 p.c of paternity checks performed got here again unfavourable, indicating that a couple of in 4 males examined weren’t the organic fathers of the youngsters in query. This statistic underscores the prevalence of paternity uncertainty in Nigerian society.
The report famous a big enhance in DNA checks for immigration functions, rising greater than every other take a look at kind, saying this surge aligns with the continuing “Japa” phenomenon, as extra Nigerians search alternatives overseas. The development suggests a rising variety of dad and mom with twin citizenship are processing paperwork for his or her kids’s emigration.
Revealing the financial disparity, the report reveals that an awesome 73.1 p.c of all DNA checks had been performed in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5%) and Island (32.5%).
This focus highlights the financial divide inside Lagos and throughout Nigeria, elevating questions on entry to such companies in different elements of the nation.
On gender imbalance in take a look at initiation, the report revealed that males initiated a staggering 88.2 p.c of all take a look at requests, in comparison with simply 11.8 p.c by girls.
This important disparity raises questions on gender roles, belief points in relationships, and societal pressures on paternity certainty.
The report additionally confirmed the ethnic distribution because the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 p.c of checks, adopted by Igbo 31.3 p.c with Hausa at just one.20 p.c.
This distribution, which doesn’t align with nationwide ethnic demographics, ought to immediate discussions about cultural attitudes in direction of paternity testing and genetic science throughout totally different Nigerian ethnicities, the report urged.
Most examined kids had been aged 0-5 (54.0%), suggesting a desire for early paternity affirmation. Males aged 41+ (45.6%) and 31-40 (37.0%) had been more than likely to request checks, doubtlessly reflective of financial capabilities or elevated paternity issues in older males, the report said whereas additionally revealing a slight gender bias in baby testing.
“Extra checks had been performed on male kids (52.8%) than feminine kids (47.2%), hinting at a attainable cultural desire for confirming paternity of male offspring.”
On the explanations for the testing, the report confirmed that the overwhelming majority of checks (85.9%) had been performed for ‘Peace of Thoughts’, highlighting private, moderately than authorized motivations behind most DNA testing in Nigeria.
Operations Supervisor at Good DNA, Elizabeth Digia stated, “These findings supply a singular window into the altering dynamics of Nigerian households and society.
“The excessive fee of unfavourable paternity checks and the surge in immigration-related testing are notably noteworthy. They mirror broader societal developments that benefit additional dialogue and analysis.
“The focus of testing in Lagos additionally raises essential questions on accessibility and consciousness of DNA testing companies throughout Nigeria. As an organization, we’re dedicated to increasing entry to our companies nationwide whereas sustaining the very best requirements of accuracy and confidentiality.”
