Nigeria’s first paternity testing unveiled

•  Powered by Next-Generation Sequencing

OncoGenomics a Nigerian diagnostic company, on Friday, unveiled the country’s first paternity testing, a move designed to drastically cut down current reliance on overseas facilities for such test.

Powered by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, the new diagnostic service ensures results with a probability of paternity exceeding 99.999%, the gold standard worldwide.

Unveiling the facilities in Lagos, Founder of OncoGenomics, Dr. Paul Faduola described NGC as “the pinnacle of precision, reliability and innovation,” saying, “we are building a future where every Nigerian has access to reliable, ethical, and advanced genetic testing.”

Before now, samples for paternity testing are often sent abroad, a cumbersome and expensive process which takes a long time before results are obtained. But Faduola said with OncoGenomics, this will no longer be the case as its NGS laboratory ensures that its cutting-edge services are available within the country.

He Said:  “Whether it is handling degraded DNA, low quality samples, or resolving cases involving close relatives, NGS out-performs all previous technologies. This makes it ideal for Nigeria’s diverse needs, from family reconciliation to legal disputes.

“With in-country testing using NGS, we eliminate the delays and costs associated with sending samples abroad. Nigerians can now access faster, more reliable results without compromising quality.

“By keeping samples and testing processes local, we ensure the highest levels of confidentiality and data security. Families and individuals can trust that their information is handled with utmost care and professionalism. By localizing testing, we are making this technology accessible and affordable, removing the financial barriers that have historically excluded many Nigerians.”

The OncoGenomics Founder disclosed that the establishment of the facility was motivated by the gap observed in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, where paternity testing relied heavily on sending samples abroad. According to him, families and individuals deserve accurate and reliable answers without the additional burden of time and expense.

“Nigeria has immense potential to adopt and lead in cutting-edge technologies like Next- Generation Sequencing (NGS). Our vision was to bring this advanced technology home to provide faster, more accurate, and affordable solutions, ensuring that we no longer rely on external systems for answers to personal and legal questions.

“In Nigeria, there is often skepticism and stigma surrounding paternity testing. We saw an opportunity to normalize this vital service by providing education, transparency, and ethical care, demonstrating its importance for family harmony, legal clarity, and societal trust.

“By localizing paternity testing with advanced technology, I aim to not only create jobs and build local expertise but also position Nigeria as a leader in genomic and diagnostic advancements in Africa,” he said, urging Nigerians to embrace the innovation.