In recent years, Nigeria has been face with an alarming rate of paternity fraud, a phenomenon of an intentional misrepresentation of a child biological fathers .
This issue, once considered a private and somewhat rare occurrence, is now emerging as a significant social crisis with far-reaching implications for families, legal systems, and societal values.
One of the most troubling aspects of paternity fraud is that it often remains undiscovered until years after the child’s birth, sometimes surfacing during medical emergencies, divorce proceedings, or when men decide to take DNA tests out of curiosity or suspicion.
The mental health experts noted that several variables could lead to a situation where a child’s paternity was questioned, beyond the common blame on infidelity.
According to them, factors such as negligence, ignorance, and genetic testing errors could also contribute to this phenomenon.
Several factors contribute to the rise of paternity fraud in Nigeria. One key factor is the societal pressure on women to bear children, particularly male heirs, which can lead some to engage in deceptive practices if they face fertility challenges or fear stigmatization for being childless.
Cultural practices and gender dynamics also play significant roles. In a society where male children are often valued more highly, and where women’s economic security is sometimes tied to childbearing, the pressure to produce a male heir can be overwhelming. Some women may resort to paternity fraud to maintain their marriage or secure financial support.
According to report, 27 per cent of paternity tests claim that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question. Most of the tests (85.9 per cent), the report further reveals, were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations.
In a statement made by Elizabeth Digiathe operations manager at Smart DNA, the findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
“The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research. The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria” she said.
Four years ago, a Delta State High Court Judge claimed that DNA tests conducted on three children from his first marriage revealed that he is not their biological father. The Judge detailed how he first received an anonymous message questioning the fatherhood of the youngest. When that information proved to be true, DNA tests were extended to the others. The Judge further explained that his decision to address the press on the matter was “to prevent damaging speculations, half-truths and outright lies from persons who may want to cash in on the tragedy that has befallen” his home while leaving his ex-wife “and her boyfriend or boyfriends to their conscience”.
Ordinarily, DNA tests are used in forensic criminal investigations to match suspect(s) with evidence collected from crime scenes. They also help to determine victims of mass disasters, (for instance, an earthquake or plane crash) and now also for immigration purposes. While most countries have laws governing the use of DNA in paternity matters, Nigeria appears not to have any, leading to a gross abuse of this scientific method. In countries where DNA has become common, there are strict laws to protect the privacy and rights of the child whose paternity may be in question.
In the age in which we live, people must understand the limits of DNA, current trends in parenting and family dynamics as well as how nurture has literally supplanted nature. In the end, a child (whether biological or by adoption) brings us comfort and is a product of our love and care. In the United States, federal agencies that regulate genetic tests include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They are regulated and evaluated on three criteria, including how well the test predicts the presence or absence of a particular gene or genetic change and whether the tests consistently and accurately detect whether a specific genetic variant is present.
Considering the increasing popularity of DNA testing in Nigeria, we need to borrow from other countries by putting in place the requisite regulation that will address all salient issues in the sector.