Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre based in Lagos, Nigeria, has released a comprehensive data analysis of all relationship DNA tests conducted at its facility between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
The Smart DNA report, based on thousands of users, provides an unprecedented insight into the DNA testing trends across Nigeria.
Released on Tuesday, it showed startling findings about the reasons people seek testing, the demographics of those tested, and the outcomes of the tests.
Nevertheless, it showed positive results, which indicated that the men who came out positive as the biological fathers of the children who they queried their paternity accounted for 73.88 per cent of tests.
Negative results were 26.12 per cent of those who were tested.
On geographical spread, the report showed that Lagos accounted for the highest percentage of tests, with 82.89 per cent of the total.
This is followed by Oyo (3.29 per cent), Ogun (3.07 per cent), FCT (2.63 per cent and Rivers (2.41 per cent).
“This heavy concentration in Lagos, particularly the Mainland (68.14 per cent) compared to the Island (31.86 per cent), is likely due to the location of Smart DNA’s office in Lagos.
“Also likely due to the purchasing power of the state’s residents and the high population density of the state,’’ it said.
The report showed that the majority of tests (89.10 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, followed by ‘Immigration’ (8.97 per cent), and ‘Legal’ (0.64 per cent).
It showed that men were the predominant initiators of contact, making up 86.44 per cent of the first contacts, compared to 13.56 per cent made by women.
“This indicates that men are more likely to have doubts about paternity or other relationships and take the initiative to seek testing,’’ it said.
Officials of Smart DNA said the centre is committed to providing fully accredited DNA testing services to clients under the highest international standards.
According to them, the report aims to shed light on the current trends in relationship DNA testing in Nigeria, contributing to a better understanding of this critical aspect of our society.
