By Kayode Olabanji

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In a quiet corner of a roadside wine shop in Akure, Ondo State capital, Mr Emmanuel Adewale sat in deep contemplation, his drink untouched.  The burden he carries is not one of everyday struggles, but of an unsettling revelation, a DNA test has confirmed that the child he raised for a decade is not biologically his.

According to Mr. Adewale, the test which cost him N250,000, strained his finances, yet he considers himself fortunate. For many Nigerians in similar predicaments, the cost of seeking the truth remains an insurmountable challenge.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. Hence, DNA paternity test uses deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) , usually taken from a cheek swab  to determine a child’s biological father. DNA is the genetic material inside your body’s cells.

DNA testing involves analysing an individual’s genetic material to ascertain biological relationships or genetic predispositions. Two commonly requested types of DNA tests are maternity and paternity tests, which confirm biological motherhood and fatherhood, respectively.

Across the country, the demand for DNA testing has surged, largely driven by social media narratives of men discovering, sometimes after decades, that the children they raised were not their own. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “paternity fraud,” has sparked intense discourse on trust, morality and the integrity of family values.

While DNA testing was traditionally associated with forensic investigations, it has increasingly become a tool for verifying paternity.  However, the prohibitive costs make it inaccessible to many who yearn for certainty, but cannot afford to confirm their suspicions.

For Benson (not his real name), a successful businessman, doubt crept in after 20 years of marriage. Persistent whispers and subtle insinuations within his community cast a shadow over his perception of his wife’s fidelity.  Unable to quell his fears, he insisted on a DNA test for their three children.

His wife, Mary (not her real name), was devastated by his request, but agreed, hoping to affirm her innocence. However, the test results upended their reality; one of the children was not biologically his.

What began as a personal matter soon escalated into a social crisis, leading to public humiliation, protracted legal battles, and emotional scars that may never heal. Their experience underscores a growing concern, one that speaks as much to the quest for truth as to the cost of unearthing it.

Shocking statistics of paternity fraud in Nigeria

Studies have revealed that one in every four tested men turned out not to be the biological father of their child(ren) and ranks Nigeria as the second highest in paternity fraud.

  A recent data by one of Nigeria’s leading DNA testing centres in Lagos State, shows that 27% of paternity tests conducted at the centre came back negative with 73% being positive.

  This suggests that in the majority of cases, the men seeking testing are indeed the biological fathers. Still, in more than 1 in 4 cases, the tested man is not the biological father of the child.

DNA testing: A price too high?

In Nigeria, DNA tests cost between N200,000 and N450,000, depending on the number of individuals involved.  For many families already grappling with economic challenges, this amount is beyond reach. As a result, many men are left to grapple with lingering doubts, while some take drastic actions based on mere speculation.

A businesswoman, Mrs Funmilola Akorede, believes the government has a role to play in making DNA testing more affordable.

 Men are refusing to take responsibility for children they suspect are not theirs, and many women are also being wrongly accused. If DNA tests were more affordable, speculation would reduce, and the truth would prevail,” she asserted.

  Akorede, a mother of two, suggested that if the cost of DNA testing were reduced to between N10,000 and N20,000, it could serve as a deterrent to infidelity while also mitigating the rising cases of disputed paternity.

  The financial burden extends beyond individuals to the legal system, where numerous paternity cases remain unresolved due to the high cost of DNA testing.

  A legal expert, who pleaded anonymity, explained, “We have cases where men refuse to pay child support, citing doubts about paternity. If DNA testing were more affordable, many of these cases could be resolved swiftly, preventing undue suffering for the children involved.”

Cultural and social complexities

A medical laboratory technician at Sckye Hospital Limited, Akure, Prince Olabode Taiwo Obaro, acknowledges that paternity disputes remain a deeply sensitive issue in Nigeria. Cultural and societal norms often result in significant consequences for children whose paternity is in question.

  “With the growing availability of DNA testing, there is increasing debate over its societal impact. Will it reduce the number of children labelled as illegitimate, or will it expose even more complex social issues?” Obaro queried.

  In Nigeria, children with disputed paternity or those born outside wedlock frequently face discrimination, often denied inheritance, education, and access to essential social services.

Reports from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlight that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-wedlock births globally, underscoring the urgency of addressing this challenge.

The case for affordable DNA testing

Advocates for more accessible DNA testing argue that lowering costs could yield several benefits. 

  They opined that it would facilitate paternity verification, reduce wrongful accusations and prevent unnecessary conflicts.

  More men, they said, would be willing to take responsibility for their children if paternity were scientifically confirmed while women would have a reliable means to verify paternity, securing necessary support for their children.

  However, Obaro emphasised that while DNA testing provides clarity, it does not address broader societal issues such as economic disparities, inadequate healthcare, and deep-seated gender biases.

The threat to family cohesion

A medical practitioner in a private hospital in Akure, Dr. Samuel Ayeni, believes that while affordability is critical the potential impact on family unity should not be overlooked.

  “A man who harbours doubts about paternity but cannot afford a DNA test may ultimately distance himself from his responsibilities. If verification were more accessible, many families could be saved from unnecessary separation,” he posited.

  As paternity disputes increase, advocacy groups and concerned citizens continue to push for government intervention. Experts have proposed various solutions, including subsidising DNA tests in public hospitals and forensic centres,  partnering with private laboratories to lower costs, offering free DNA testing in cases involving child custody and child support and regulating the industry to prevent arbitrary pricing by private laboratories.

Moral and Religious considerations

Pastor Victor Olufunsho Ilemobade of The Great God Divine Presence Church, Akure, believes the issue requires both moral and practical solutions. While he preaches the virtues of sexual morality and faithfulness, he also supports initiatives to make DNA testing more accessible.

Beyond religious teachings, he advocates for public awareness campaigns to educate individuals on responsible family planning, policy reforms to ensure wider access to DNA testing, social support systems to provide assistance for affected families and children.

  His perspective highlights the need for a holistic approach; one that blends moral guidance with structural interventions to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Lessons from other countries

Countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have successfully integrated DNA testing into public healthcare policies through insurance coverage and government subsidies. Nigeria could explore similar approaches to make DNA testing more affordable and accessible.

  For now, many Nigerians remain in limbo, hoping for policy changes that would make DNA testing more accessible. Until then, the cost of seeking the truth remains steep, and for many, the price of uncertainty is even greater.

  As Mr. Adewale finally lifts his drink to his lips, he sighed deeply, “I paid the price to know the truth. But how many men out there are living a lie, simply because they cannot afford to find out?”