Health care
Report Says 1 In 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents: Paternity Crisis
Report Says 1 In 4 Nigerian Fathers Not Biological Parents: Paternity Crisis
Report says 1 in 4 Nigerian fathers not biological parents: Paternity crisis. A new report by Smart DNA Nigeria has revealed that one in every four paternity tests conducted in the country still returns a negative result, underscoring a persistent paternity crisis and deepening trust issues within Nigerian families.
In its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report released this week, the Lagos-based genetic testing company disclosed that 25 per cent of paternity tests conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 showed that the presumed fathers were not biologically related to the children in question.
Though slightly lower than 2024’s 27 per cent, the figure highlights what the firm calls a “worrying and consistent trend”.
“These findings are not just about science; they tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today,” said Operations Manager at Smart DNA, Elizabeth Digia.
“Our role is to provide certainty through accurate testing while encouraging sensitive handling of the life-changing information our clients receive.”
According to the Vanguard, the report noted that firstborn children, especially sons, were significantly more likely to have negative paternity test results, with firstborn boys recording a staggering 64 per cent exclusion rate, far higher than later-born siblings.
It also revealed that immigration-related DNA testing surged to 13.1 per cent of all tests, a direct result of Nigeria’s escalating emigration wave, popularly dubbed the “Japa” phenomenon.
This marks a sharp increase from previous years as more families seek documentation for foreign relocation.
“Many of our clients are dual-citizenship families processing DNA documentation for children, often as part of long-term emigration plans,” the report noted.
Another key finding was that 88.2 per cent of all paternity tests were initiated by men, with only 11.8 per cent coming from women. Older men, particularly those aged 41 and above, accounted for nearly half (45.5 per cent) of all tests, suggesting financial stability plays a major role in initiating paternity verification.
Children between ages 0 and 5 made up the majority of those tested, at 58.6 per cent, up from 54 per cent in the previous year.
According to analysts, this shows a growing trend of parents seeking early clarity to avoid future complications.
While Lagos State still accounted for the bulk of DNA testing (69 per cent), the report shows a shift in demand from the Mainland to the Island. Lekki (20.3 per cent), Yaba (15.8 per cent), Ajah and Ikorodu (10.5 per cent each), and Surulere and Ikeja (9 per cent each) ranked as top testing hubs.
Ethnic distribution of clients showed a continued dominance by Yoruba families (53 per cent), followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent).
Hausa participation remained minimal at 1.2 per cent, suggesting significant cultural differences in attitudes toward paternity testing.
A vast majority—83.7 per cent—of DNA tests were done for “peace of mind” rather than legal requirements, with court-mandated tests accounting for just 1.4 per cent.
The gender of tested children also revealed cultural leanings: 53.8 per cent were male, pointing to continued emphasis on verifying male lineage for reasons possibly linked to inheritance and family name preservation.
Paternity Crisis
The report calls for urgent legal reform, noting Nigeria lacks specific laws addressing paternity fraud, unlike countries such as South Africa. It also recommends that public health policies integrate DNA testing into family planning and premarital counselling frameworks.
“We’re seeing more people come forward with doubts they’ve harboured for years,” Digia said. “Some of these cases involve emotional trauma and even financial exploitation. A policy framework is overdue.”
Smart DNA emphasised that its report is based on anonymised data from real cases and does not represent the general population.
“Our figures reflect those who already had reason to question paternity, and as such, the results should not be extrapolated to all Nigerian families,” the firm explained.
Police: Directorate Of Force Medical Services Receives Donated Medical Consumables
The atmosphere was one of glamour and excitement as DIG Mohammed Aminu Yesufu, (Rtd), mni, NPM, BSC, LLB, BL, LLM, celebrated his 72nd birthday in grand style.
The birthday festivities began with a visit to the School of the Blind, where the celebrant graciously donated essential school materials to support the students’ academic journey.
Eereporter.com
Continuing his charitable endeavors, on 30th April 2026, DIG Yesufu MA, alongside his family and friends, visited the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Area 11, Garki, to donate medical consumables for the benefit of several hospitals, including:
1. Police Hospital, Dei Dei
2. Police Hospital, Area 1
3. Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Area 11
4. Police National Reference Hospital, Utako.
The donated items comprised sphygmomanometers (mercury-based), stethoscopes, antimalarial drugs for both children and adults, antihypertensives, and other essential medical consumables.
Police
The event was graced by the celebrant’s wife, Mrs. Ame Yesufu, and distinguished personalities including the Pioneer Force Medical Director, AIG Dr. Nkechi Eze, as well as former Force Medical Officers: AIG Dr. Grace Okudo (Rtd), AIG Dr. Adenike Abuah (Rtd), AIG Joseph Eribo, AIG Armament, Chairman, Nigeria Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NAPRON)., AIG Paul Ochonu (Rtd), Dr. Yusuf Gazali, MD/CEO PHML, and other senior officers, both retired and serving.
The celebration provided an opportunity for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to honor DIG Yesufu MA, reflecting on his remarkable journey and lasting impact.
_Force Medical Services, Where Relevance Meets Impact_
SP Eze Chidiebere K, _R.DTh, MNIPR_
Force Medical PR Liaison Officer,
Directorate of Force Medical Services,
Abuja.
Health care
NNPC Commissions, Hands Over Rehabilitated Wards To National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
NNPC Commissions, Hands Over Rehabilitated Wards To National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
In keeping with its commitment to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, NNPC Limited has commissioned and handed over three units of 100-bed capacity wards it rehabilitated as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
The intervention carried out by the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte., the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, involved the rehabilitation and upgrade of Wards G, H, and J, complete with the installation of new beds and the introduction of a central medical gas system designed to enhance the standard of care provided by the hospital.
Eereporter.com
The rehabilitation also included the replacement of roofing and ceiling of the Wards, upgrade of electrical and mechanical systems, and installation of new vinyl floors in all three wards.
Prior to the intervention, the wards were in a state that limited their use, which in turn constrained the hospital’s in-patient care capacity.
Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, explained that the concept of profitability in NNPC Limited is not restricted to increase in production and revenue alone, as it embraces the level of social impact the company makes.
The GCEO, who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun, said the Company is proud of the rehabilitation and upgrade work done in the hospital’s wards, because of its immense social impact.
On her part, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the intervention, NNPC Foundation has helped to strengthen a facility that has served Nigerians for many decades.
“Beyond the immediate benefits, this effort reflects the role NNPC Foundation plays as the social impact arm of NNPC Limited. Our focus remains on practical interventions that improve lives and align with national priorities in healthcare”, she stated.
Providing further view into the project, the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, said the Management was constrained by the dire situation of the facilities to write to NNPC Foundation for intervention.
He expressed gratitude to the Management of NNPC Limited for granting the request and delivering an outstanding transformation in bringing the wards to international standards, stressing that what NNPC Limited has done goes beyond rehabilitation. It represents a renewal of hope. The commissioning and handover was witnessed by NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President – Business Services, Mrs Sophia Mbakwe.
NNPC
Highlight of the event was the commissioning and unveiling of a commemoration plaque by the representative of the GCEO in company of the Chief Medical Director of the hospital and H.R.H. Alhaji Rodiyallahu Alabi Yunusa, Baale of Bajulaiye Community in Somolu, who represented the Oba of Somolu, HRM Oba Kazeem Bashua as the Royal Father of the day.
Economy
NNPC: Commissioning, Handover Of Rehabilitated Hospital Wards At National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
NNPC: Commissioning, Handover Of Rehabilitated Hospital Wards At National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
This intervention forms part of the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria, ensuring that more patients receive care in decent, functional facilities.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th April 2026, the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte., the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, will commission and hand over three fully rehabilitated hospital wards with a 100-bed capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos State.
Eereporter.com
The event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am prompt.
NNPC
This intervention forms part of the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria, ensuring that more patients receive care in decent, functional facilities.
Watch the commissioning LIVE on the NNPC Limited YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nnpclimited/streams
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