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Official Cost Of Dna Test In Nigeria 2025

DNA testing in Nigeria has become a crucial service for individuals and families alike, used for determining paternity, verifying biological relationships, and facilitating legal and immigration processes. As of 2025, the demand for DNA testing services in Nigeria continues to rise, with many Nigerians seeking accurate and reliable results for a variety of reasons. The cost of DNA testing varies widely depending on the type of test and the provider. This blog will guide you through the different types of DNA tests available in Nigeria, their costs, and the factors that influence these prices. We will also provide answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure you have all the necessary information.

Types of DNA Tests and Their Costs in Nigeria (2025)

DNA testing services in Nigeria come in different forms, each serving specific needs and purposes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common types of DNA tests available in the country, along with their costs:

1. Paternity DNA Test (Peace of Mind)

• Description: This type of test is typically used for personal reasons, such as confirming the biological relationship between a father and a child. It is often referred to as a “peace of mind” test, as it does not require legal documentation or a strict chain of custody.
• Cost: The cost of a standard paternity DNA test in Nigeria ranges from ₦99,000 to ₦450,000, depending on the testing facility and the specific package chosen.
• Details: Some laboratories offer home paternity tests that start at ₦99,000, which includes testing for the alleged father and one child. More comprehensive tests may cost between ₦200,000 and ₦450,000 for a more extensive analysis. Testing can include multiple children or additional family members if needed.

2. Legal Paternity DNA Test

• Description: A legal paternity DNA test is used in legal situations, such as child custody cases, inheritance matters, or immigration procedures. This type of test requires a strict chain of custody to ensure that the sample collection and analysis are admissible in court.
• Cost: Legal paternity tests in Nigeria typically range from ₦250,000 to ₦600,000.
• Details: These tests must follow a legally approved process, including a documented chain of custody and proper identification of all parties involved. This ensures that the results are legally valid and can be used in a courtroom or other legal proceedings.

3. Immigration DNA Test

• Description: An immigration DNA test is used to establish the biological relationship between an applicant and their family members for immigration purposes. It is often required by embassies or immigration authorities to prove family ties during visa applications or residency processes.
• Cost: The cost of immigration DNA tests in Nigeria typically ranges from ₦250,000 to ₦600,000.
• Details: Similar to legal paternity tests, immigration DNA tests require a strict chain of custody and proper documentation to meet the requirements of immigration authorities. The test is necessary for applications such as family reunification and immigration visa processing.

4. Prenatal Paternity DNA Test

• Description: This test determines paternity before the baby is born. It is a non-invasive test that analyzes fetal DNA from the mother’s blood. Prenatal paternity tests are more expensive due to the advanced technology and procedures involved.
• Cost: The cost of a prenatal paternity DNA test in Nigeria can range from ₦1,400,000 to ₦3,500,000.
• Details: Prenatal DNA tests are highly accurate but require advanced technology, which explains the high cost. It is the preferred option for women who wish to confirm paternity during pregnancy without the need for invasive procedures like amniocentesis.

5. Maternity DNA Test

• Description: A maternity DNA test establishes the biological relationship between a mother and a child. It is used when there are doubts about whether a child is biologically related to a mother or in cases of adoption.
• Cost: The cost of maternity DNA tests typically ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000.
• Details: This test is useful for confirming maternal relationships and is often employed when hospital mix-ups or adoption cases arise.

6. Sibling DNA Test

• Description: A sibling DNA test determines the biological relationship between two or more siblings. It is used to confirm whether individuals share the same mother and father (full siblings) or only one parent (half-siblings).
• Cost: The cost of sibling DNA tests in Nigeria ranges from ₦210,000 to ₦300,000.
• Details: Sibling DNA tests can be valuable when the alleged parents are unavailable for testing. The test can also help determine the genetic connection between half-siblings, such as in cases of shared parentage or adoption.

7. Grandparentage DNA Test

• Description: A grandparentage test establishes the biological relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. This test is commonly used when the alleged parents are unavailable for testing.
• Cost: The cost of grandparentage DNA tests in Nigeria typically ranges from ₦210,000 to ₦390,000.
• Details: This test is used to confirm the biological connection between a child and their paternal or maternal grandparents, providing alternative evidence of paternity or maternity in the absence of direct parent DNA samples.

8. Avuncular DNA Test (Aunt/Uncle Test)

• Description: This test determines whether a person is the biological aunt or uncle of a child. It is used when the parents are unavailable for testing, and the test serves as an indirect method of confirming familial relationships.
• Cost: The cost of avuncular DNA tests in Nigeria ranges from ₦210,000 to ₦390,000.
• Details: The avuncular test is helpful in cases where there are no direct parent samples available. It is a useful alternative for confirming familial relationships when the biological parent is absent.

Factors Influencing the Cost of DNA Tests in Nigeria

Several factors influence the pricing of DNA tests in Nigeria. Here are some of the key factors:

• Type of Test: More complex tests like prenatal paternity tests and immigration DNA tests cost more due to the specialized technology and procedures involved.
• Number of Participants: The more people involved in the test, such as additional children or alleged fathers, the higher the cost.
• Sample Collection Method: Some labs offer non-invasive collection methods that are more expensive than standard buccal (cheek) swabs or blood tests.
• Testing Facility: The reputation and location of the testing center can affect the cost. Accredited and highly reputable labs may charge more for their services.
• Legal and Documentation Requirements: Tests that require a strict chain of custody, such as legal and immigration tests, tend to be more expensive.

Choosing a DNA Testing Facility in Nigeria

When selecting a DNA testing facility, it’s important to choose one that is reliable, accredited, and transparent. Consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: Choose a facility that is accredited by relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that the results are accurate and legally valid.
• Experience: Opt for a laboratory with experience in performing the type of test you need. Experienced centers are likely to provide more accurate and faster results.
• Confidentiality: Make sure that the lab follows strict confidentiality guidelines to protect your personal information and test results.
• Turnaround Time: The time it takes to receive results can vary. If you need your results for legal or immigration purposes, make sure the facility offers fast processing times.
• Transparent Pricing: Choose a testing center that provides clear and upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The turnaround time for DNA test results in Nigeria can vary depending on the type of test and the facility. For standard paternity tests, results are typically available within 5 to 7 business days. Legal and immigration tests may take longer, ranging from 7 to 14 days due to the additional documentation required.

2. Are DNA tests in Nigeria reliable?

Yes, DNA tests in Nigeria are reliable when conducted by accredited and reputable laboratories. It’s important to choose a laboratory with a proven track record in DNA testing to ensure accurate results.

3. Can I do a DNA test at home?

Yes, some laboratories offer home DNA testing kits for paternity tests. These kits allow individuals to collect samples at home and send them to the laboratory for analysis. However, for legal purposes, a formal chain of custody is required, which means that home tests cannot be used for legal matters.

4. Is prenatal DNA testing safe?

Yes, non-invasive prenatal DNA testing is completely safe for both the mother and the baby. This test involves analyzing the mother’s blood for fetal DNA, and it carries no risk of miscarriage.

5. How do I ensure the results of my DNA test are legally valid?

To ensure that your DNA test results are legally valid, choose a laboratory that follows the appropriate procedures for chain of custody. This includes proper identification of all parties involved and the collection of samples in a controlled environment.

Conclusion

DNA testing in Nigeria offers individuals and families a reliable and accurate way to establish biological relationships. Whether for personal peace of mind, legal purposes, or immigration requirements, understanding the costs associated with DNA testing and the types of tests available is crucial for making informed decisions. By selecting a reputable and accredited testing facility, you can ensure accurate results that meet your needs.