By Godspower Samuel
November 12, 2024.
The ongoing debate over mandatory DNA testing in Nigeria has reignited amid recent controversies involving high-profile cases of paternity fraud and family scandals. According to a new report by Smart DNA, Lagos leads in paternity testing, with a staggering 73.1% of the nation’s DNA tests conducted within the state. The report, covering June 2023 to June 2024, reveals that 27% of these tests returned negative results, meaning that in over one in four cases, the man tested was not the biological father.
The data shows that of the total paternity tests conducted, Oyo accounted for 5.5%, Ogun 5.3%, Rivers 4.0%, and Delta 3.5%. Within Lagos, the Mainland had 67.5% of tests compared to 32.5% on the Island. Correspondence reports that Smart DNA’s findings portray the complex family dynamics in Nigeria, where DNA testing has become a crucial tool for resolving paternity disputes and securing trust.
Across the world, DNA testing and database systems have been established for various purposes, including paternity verification and crime-solving. Countries such as the UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Israel, Kuwait, Brazil, France, Russia, China, and India have set up comprehensive DNA databases. In Africa, Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, and Tunisia also use similar systems, highlighting the growing reliance on DNA as a tool for personal, legal, and societal matters.
Amid this trend, Big Brother Naija star Josephine Otabor, known as Phyna, recently voiced her support for prioritizing DNA tests over traditional naming ceremonies. “I support DNA test over naming ceremony. It should be passed that it is compulsory. Immediately after birth, a DNA test should be carried out,” Phyna posted on her X handle.
Her statement aligns with that of music executive Don Jazzy, who recently said, “DNA test is more important than naming ceremony,” in an Instagram Reel.
This conversation surrounding mandatory DNA testing has gained traction as high-profile scandals emerge, such as the recent controversy involving Baltasar Ebang, the former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency. Ebang was dismissed after over 400 intimate videos surfaced amid a fraud investigation, exposing his involvement with multiple women. Following the scandal, footage also emerged showing Ebang’s wife allegedly involved in an extramarital affair, adding another layer to the conversation online.
These controversies bring into sharp focus a larger societal issue, as the rising demand for DNA testing reveals doubts within family structures. Yet, high costs remain a barrier for many Nigerians, with correspondence reporting that a paternity or maternity test can cost approximately ₦280,000, making it inaccessible for numerous families.
Despite the support from public figures like Phyna and Don Jazzy, who emphasize the importance of DNA tests in securing family bonds, the prohibitive costs suggest that achieving widespread access remains a challenge for many Nigerians.