On a bright day in Nigeria’s digital history, a conversation began, not just about code or domains, but about identity, sovereignty, and the future of a nation online.
The inaugural session of the .ng Webinar Series organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) was more than just another virtual meeting; it was a rallying cry to recognize the .ng domain as a strategic national asset.
With the theme “Putting Nigeria First in the Digital Age: Why .ng Matters,” the session brought together leaders, experts, and citizens to explore how this simple two-letter domain could hold the key to Nigeria’s digital destiny.
Framing the Conversation: Reclaiming Our Digital Identity
Kicking off the session, Oluwaseyi Onasanya, chief operating officer of NiRA and co-host of the series, set the tone with clarity and urgency.
“We must challenge outdated views,” she said, “and see .ng as more than a domain, it’s an inclusive, transformative tool for every Nigerian, from government institutions and businesses to creators and communities.”
A Domain with National Purpose
In his heartfelt welcome, Adesola Akinsanya, president of NiRA, reframed .ng not just as a technical feature of the internet, but as critical infrastructure, as essential as roads or electricity.
“Other nations use their domains to drive economic growth, protect their digital borders, and assert national identity,” he said. “We must do the same. Policies matter but before policy, people must believe .ng belongs to them.”
A Vision from the Presidency
The keynote, delivered by Dr. Tope Fasua, special adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, brought a powerful message from the heart of government:
“This is our chance to rebrand Nigeria online,” Fasua said. “The .ng domain is more than a web address. It’s a cultural and economic gateway.”
He spoke of a future built on data sovereignty, local innovation, and pride in ownership — where Nigerians control their own narrative online, from content to commerce.
Voices from the Ecosystem
The conversation deepened during the panel session, moderated by Peter Oluka, editor at Techeconomy, who skillfully guided a discussion filled with insight and urgency.
Panelists included:
- Muhammed Rudman, MD/CEO, IXPN, and former president of NiRA
- Abibat Olatunji, member, Executive Board Director of NiRA
- Agim Ikwen, CTO, Webguru.ng
Together, they explored how the .ng domain is already shaping Nigeria’s digital economy, and what it will take to deepen that impact. From improving infrastructure and reducing dependency on foreign DNS servers to increasing public trust and adoption, the experts laid out a roadmap to digital resilience.
A People-Driven Mission
What made the session truly special was its interactivity. Attendees didn’t just watch — they asked questions, participated in live polls, and shared stories in real time. The sense of collective ownership was palpable.
Key Takeaways from the Session:
- .ng is national infrastructure, not just a technical or branding tool.
- Public perception and education are as critical as policy to drive adoption.
- The domain offers a powerful opportunity to “brand Nigeria” online and foster global digital trust.
- Digital sovereignty begins with data ownership, and .ng puts that power back into Nigerian hands.
The Journey Has Just Begun
The .ng Webinar Series is only just beginning. Future sessions will continue to bring thought leaders, policymakers, tech innovators, and everyday users into the conversation. Together, they’ll shape a future where Nigeria doesn’t just participate online, it thrives with confidence, identity, and pride.
Because in the digital age, owning your name is owning your future. And for Nigeria, that name is .ng.
