Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called on lawmakers to make DNA testing compulsory before birth certificates are issued.
He made the call on X, saying it was now necessary to tackle the rising cases of paternity fraud in the country.
Adeyanju wrote: “To end paternity fraud, DNA tests should be mandatory before any birth certificate is issued in Nigeria.”
His post quickly drew attention, as many Nigerians weighed in on the proposal. Some supported the idea, while others questioned its feasibility and social impact.
A Growing Debate on Paternity Fraud
Paternity fraud refers to cases where a man is wrongly led to believe he fathered a child.
The issue has stirred heated arguments in recent years. Several court cases and media reports have exposed men who raised children later proven not to be biologically theirs.
In 2021, a report noted a rising demand for private DNA services, especially in Lagos and Abuja. Some laboratories said requests came not only from men but also from women who wanted clarity.
Supporters of Adeyanju’s idea argue that compulsory DNA tests will save families from trauma and legal battles.
But critics warn it could destroy homes and erode trust between couples, especially in a society where infidelity is still a sensitive subject.
Would you support making DNA tests a standard requirement for all births in Nigeria?The Legal and Policy Angle
Currently, there is no law in Nigeria that requires DNA verification before a birth certificate is issued.
Birth certificates are issued by the National Population Commission, usually based on the information provided by parents.
Paternity fraud continues to be unpunished.
— Blueblur (@Blueblur2023) June 28, 2025
Unfortunately, most men who were victims of it trusted their female partners.
The biggest security for a man to know he is the father is if the child is the spitting image of himself, but even that’s not a guarantee. pic.twitter.com/WuacRAUaYE
Adeyanju is now calling on the National Assembly to introduce a bill on the matter. He said it was time for lawmakers to protect men from deceit.
“This policy will restore trust and transparency in family life,” he wrote.
Legal experts, however, warn that such a bill could raise human rights questions, especially around privacy and consent. They argue that mandatory DNA testing may face stiff opposition in parliament and the courts.
A Matter of Family and Society
Paternity disputes are not unique to Nigeria. In countries like the United States and the UK, DNA testing has been used to resolve legal custody and inheritance battles.
But Nigeria’s situation is complicated by cultural norms, religious sensitivities, and economic realities. A standard DNA test in the country can cost between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000—far beyond the reach of many families.
The debate now is whether government should subsidise such tests if they are ever made compulsory.
As Adeyanju’s proposal trends, Nigerians are divided. Some see it as a bold step toward justice. Others fear it could break more homes than it saves. But even if it saves marriages, wouldn’t that be enabling a potential deceit, and undermining truth and justice for the other partner?Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
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