DNA should be mandatory before birth certificates are issued in Nigeria - Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju

Bloodlines and Birthrights: Nigeria’s DNA Debate Reignites Questions of Family, Truth, and Identity

-SPECIAL REPORT-

In a country where family bonds are deeply cherished and identity is woven into the fabric of community, a bold proposal has ignited a national conversation. Nigerian lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on the National Assembly to pass legislation that would make DNA testing mandatory before birth certificates are issued. His aim is clear: to combat the rising tide of paternity fraud and ensure that every child’s identity is rooted in biological truth.

Adeyanju’s suggestion, shared on social media, quickly gained traction. Supporters hailed it as a necessary step toward transparency and justice, arguing that too many men are unknowingly raising children who are not biologically theirs. They believe that mandatory DNA testing would protect children’s rights, strengthen legal frameworks around custody and inheritance, and foster accountability in relationships.

But the proposal has also sparked fierce debate. Critics warn that such a law could destabilize families, especially if test results reveal unexpected truths. The emotional fallout, from broken marriages to psychological trauma for children, could be profound. Others raise practical concerns: DNA tests in Nigeria can cost upwards of ₦300,000, a price tag that places them out of reach for many families. Without government subsidies, the policy could deepen inequality and exclude low-income households from registering births.

Online reactions reflect the complexity of the issue. Some commenters support the idea wholeheartedly, calling it a long-overdue reform. Others fear it could trigger social unrest or reinforce gender biases, particularly if the burden of proof falls disproportionately on women. A few voices suggest a compromise: if not mandatory, then at least make DNA testing more affordable and accessible.

Globally, no country currently mandates DNA testing for birth certificates. France and Germany, for example, allow paternity testing only under strict legal oversight, emphasizing privacy and consent. Kuwait briefly experimented with compulsory DNA collection for all citizens and residents, but repealed the law after international backlash over human rights concerns.

In Nigeria, the path forward remains uncertain. Adeyanju’s proposal has opened the door to a broader conversation about identity, trust, and the role of science in family life. If lawmakers choose to act, they will need to balance truth-seeking with compassion, affordability, and respect for cultural norms. The stakes are high, not just for parents and children, but for the soul of a society grappling with the meaning of family in a changing world