In a landmark move aimed at addressing the rising issue of paternity fraud, Nigeria has introduced Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, a cutting-edge solution that vastly improves the accuracy of DNA testing.
This initiative, the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, is led by OncoGenomics Laboratory in collaboration with Karygene and ISN Medical. NGS technology offers a significant improvement over traditional Conventional Electrophoresis (CE) method, which has long dominated paternity testing. Beyond paternity disputes, NGS technology has broad applications, including forensic investigations, disaster victim identification, and early cancer detection.
The CEO of OncoGenomics Laboratory, Dr. Paul Faduola, at a press conference, in Lagos, said the NGS, which analyzes up to 1,000 DNA markers compared to CE's 15-23, promises a higher level of accuracy and reliability.
Speaking on the significance of this advancement, Faduola explained, "The more markers you analyze, the more accurate the result. Traditional methods may wrongly exclude biological fathers due to limitations in their marker scope, whereas NGS minimizes such errors."
Though report stated that Nigeria ranks second globally in reported cases of paternity fraud, Faduola argued that the true scale might be even larger due to outdated testing methods. "Inaccuracies can arise not because the alleged fathers aren't biological parents but due to the constraints of the testing technology. By offering NGS testing at an introductory price of N250,000, his team aims to make this superior technology accessible while gradually driving down costs as demand increases. Despite the initial costs, NGS is poised to save Nigerians millions previously spent on sending DNA samples abroad.
We're not just competing on price but on precision. Our goal is to end the reliance on foreign labs and establish Nigeria as a hub for advanced genetic testing," he added.
Faduola raised concerns about the lack of regulation in Nigeria's paternity testing industry, which has allowed questionable practices to persist, while emphasizing the importance of educating the public about the differences between CE and NGS technologies. "It's your right to ask what testing method is being used," he urged, adding that transparency will build trust in local facilities.
With the adoption of NGS, Faduola envisions a future where Nigeria develops a robust DNA database, akin to those in advanced countries. "This is not just about solving individual cases but about building a foundation for research, public health, and crime-solving capabilities,. We are just getting started. This technology will not only serve individuals but will elevate Nigeria's standing in global genetic research and diagnostics," he averred.
Sales specialist at ISN Medical, Olakunle Awojobi, highlighted the significance of this development, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize DNA testing in the country. "The story about Nigeria being the number two country in the world for paternity fraud is true, and it's likely underreported. NGS technology offers unparalleled accuracy compared to the commonly used CE method, which many labs in Nigeria rely on. It's essential for Nigerians to ask what solution their labs are using--NGS or CE--because it makes a critical difference in the results."
Awojobi explained that the introduction of NGS technology would not only improve the accuracy of results but also eliminate the need to send samples out of the country. "We are collaborating with facilities across Nigeria to make NGS more accessible. Our plan is to establish at least five bases nationwide, ensuring coverage in the northern and southern regions. This will help facilities maximize their investment, accelerate result turnaround, and strengthen local capacity," Awojobi said.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Awojobi emphasized the importance of collaboration with local facilities to increase the adoption of NGS technology. He acknowledged the financial constraints of some labs but assured them of the economic benefits of partnering with ISN Medical. "The more samples processed locally, the faster the results and the more cost-effective the process becomes. Our aim is to create a network of collection and testing centers, ensuring NGS technology reaches more Nigerians," he added.
