DNA Testing in Nigeria: The Cost, History, Paternity Fraud & All You Should Know

DNA testing had grown so much in Nigeria. DNA testing used to be a rare medical procedure for the rich, but it is now a household discussion that touches law, family, culture, and even religion.

Whether you are searching for the cost of DNA testing in Nigeria, the history of DNA testing in Nigeria, its accuracy, or the controversies surrounding it, this article breaks it all down in simple terms.

What is DNA Testing?

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material that makes each human unique. A DNA test compares genetic profiles to establish biological relationships (such as paternity), detect genetic disorders, or solve forensic cases.

A Brief History of DNA Testing in Nigeria

• 1990s – Early 2000s: DNA testing was first introduced in Nigeria through hospitals and foreign labs. At the time, most samples were flown abroad to the UK, US, or South Africa. Tests were expensive and mainly used for immigration cases, criminal investigations, or inheritance disputes.
• 2010s: Local Nigerian labs began offering DNA testing services. With reduced costs, more people—especially the middle class—could access them.
• 2020s to present: DNA testing became a trending cultural issue, especially for paternity verification. With social media amplifying stories of paternity fraud, demand skyrocketed.

Why Do People Do DNA Tests in Nigeria?

The uses of DNA testing go beyond paternity:

1. Paternity and Maternity Testing
   • To confirm the biological father or mother of a child.
   • Used in custody battles, inheritance disputes, and personal suspicions.
2. Forensic Investigations
   • Helps police solve rape, murder, and kidnapping cases.
   • Used for identifying unknown bodies.
3. Medical Reasons
   • Genetic screening for diseases such as cancer or sickle cell.
   • Pre-natal testing for unborn babies.
4. Immigration Purposes
   • Embassies often request DNA results to prove biological ties for visa applications.

Cost of DNA Testing in Nigeria (2025 Update)

N290,000 (with a four-week turnaround, according to Surge Healthcare).

N400,000 – N1 million (depending on the laboratory, according to Easy Genetics).

N310,000 for private tests to N2.8 million for non-invasive prenatal tests (as reported by independent researchers).

DNA testing in Nigeria is expensive, with costs depending on the provider and test type:

Most major Nigerian cities (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano) have accredited labs offering DNA services. Some even offer home sample collection and discreet testing.

How Accurate is DNA Testing in Nigeria?

When done by accredited labs, DNA tests are over 99.9% accurate. However, fraud exists. Some unlicensed labs offer unreliable or falsified results. That’s why experts advise going through recognized hospitals or government-approved laboratories.

The Cultural Debate: DNA and Paternity Fraud in Nigeria

One reason DNA testing has become controversial in Nigeria is its link to paternity disputes.

• The “paternity fraud” debate: Social media is filled with claims that a significant number of Nigerian men are unknowingly raising children who aren’t theirs. While no nationwide statistics exist, the perception alone has fueled demand for compulsory DNA testing.
• Family breakdowns: Many marriages collapse after DNA revelations. Lawyers report an increase in divorce and child custody cases tied to DNA results.
• Cultural perspective: In traditional Nigerian societies, fatherhood is defined by who raises the child, not just biology. Elders argue that DNA tests can destroy homes, while younger Nigerians see them as a tool for justice.
• Religion’s role: Religious leaders often caution couples against mandatory DNA testing, urging trust in marriage.

Legal Status of DNA Testing in Nigeria

• DNA evidence is admissible in Nigerian courts for inheritance, custody, and criminal cases.
• There is no law mandating DNA tests at birth, though there are public debates about making it compulsory.

Lack of regulation: Nigeria currently has no strict national policy governing DNA testing, leaving room for fraudulent practices.

Challenges Facing DNA Testing in Nigeria

1.  
   1. High costs compared to average income.
   2. Unregulated labs that risk giving false results.
   3. Emotional and family fallout e.g divorces, disinheritance, and child trauma.
   4. Cultural pushback and clash between modern science and traditional views of fatherhood.

FAQs on DNA Testing in Nigeria

1. How long does it take to get DNA test results in Nigeria?

• 3 to 14 working days, depending on the lab and purpose.

2. Can DNA tests be done secretly in Nigeria?

• Yes, some labs allow discreet sample collection (hair, saliva, etc.), but this may not hold up in court unless legally obtained.

3. Is DNA testing available in rural Nigeria?

• Mostly available in big cities. In rural areas, samples are usually sent to city labs.

4. Is DNA testing painful?

• No. It usually involves a cheek swab or saliva sample.

5. Can DNA results be used in Nigerian courts?

• Yes, if conducted by a recognized lab and properly certified.