The Federal Government has called for the introduction of mandatory DNA testing for all newborns in the country, citing rising concerns over paternity disputes, child trafficking, and identity fraud.
The proposal was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate during a stakeholders’ dialogue on strengthening family health and child protection systems.
According to the minister, the move is aimed at ensuring every Nigerian child has a verifiable identity from birth, thereby enhancing national planning, legal protection, and social welfare delivery.
“Mandatory DNA testing at birth will address the growing cases of paternity-related conflicts, while also serving as a safeguard against child theft, trafficking, and illegal adoptions. It is a proactive step toward securing the rights of every Nigerian child,” the minister stated.
He explained that the initiative would be integrated into the existing birth registration process in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and health institutions across the country.
The minister also revealed that consultations are ongoing with legal, religious, and traditional leaders to ensure wide acceptance of the policy before it is formally presented for approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
However, the proposal has already sparked nationwide debate. While some child rights advocates welcomed the plan as a bold step to strengthen family accountability and national security, others raised concerns about privacy, cultural sensitivities, and the financial burden it could impose on parents.
Medical experts further noted that for the policy to succeed, government must subsidise DNA testing and guarantee confidentiality of results to prevent misuse.
The Federal Government assured that all concerns would be carefully reviewed before implementation, stressing that the ultimate goal is to protect children and strengthen trust in family systems.
