Seeking to enhance trust, adoption and ensure money circulates within the country rather than being lost to foreign platforms, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) confirmed it has deployed DNSSEC across the .ng domain, meaning the country’s internet addresses can now be verified and protected against cyber attacks.

At the unveiling, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the move is meant to stop attackers from redirecting users to fake websites, a growing risk as more services move online.

“The successful deployment and unveiling of DNSSEC on the ng domain represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem,” the President said.

Described as a long-awaited fix to a weak point in Nigeria’s digital system, DNSSEC provides all round protection. The internet already translates website names into numerical addresses, but it was built on trust. However, that trust can be exploited.

DNSSEC adds a verification layer, confirming that when a user types a .ng website, they are reaching the real destination, not a fake one set up by criminals.

If attackers control a domain’s routing, they can redirect traffic without hacking the website itself. DNSSEC is meant to block that route.

“This achievement did not happen overnight. It is as a result of years of commitment, collaboration and shared vision,” Adebiyi Oladipo, vice chair, ICANN ccNSO said.

The DNSSEC has now been fully signed and is in a monitoring phase, with a gradual rollout planned for registrars and domain owners.

The upgrade puts Nigeria in line with global standards and strengthens trust in local digital services.

Adoption, the bigger problem

The conversation went beyond technology to the issue of Nigerians not using .ng enough. Awareness is low, hence, the media is key to changing that.

Billions still leaving the country

Beyond perception, the economic argument cannot be ignored. NiRA said Nigeria loses billions every year to foreign domain registration and hosting services, as businesses choose .com and host their platforms abroad.

That money, they argued, should stay in the country, especially as local data centres now have the capacity to handle large-scale hosting.

NiRA also confirmed plans to work with organisations like the Corporate Affairs Commission to tie business registration more closely to domain ownership.

What comes next

NiRA is now pushing for adoption, with banks, telecom firms, government agencies and e-commerce platforms being asked to enable DNSSEC and move fully into the .ng space.

“This unveiling is not just about technology; it is about building trust in Nigeria’s digital future,” Oluwaseyi Onasanya, the COO said.

The hybrid event, held at the NiRA Secretariat and virtually via Zoom, brought together over 325 members, stakeholders, and media to review a transformative year and elect new leadership.

The AGM, a cornerstone event in NiRA’s calendar, provided a platform for robust engagement and strategic planning.

This year’s meeting was particularly crucial as it included the election of new members to the Executive Board of Directors (EBoD).

In his address, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, highlighted 2024 as a year of unprecedented growth and innovation for the Association.

Key achievements included the registration of 94,723 new .ng domain names and 61,227 renewals, bringing the total number of .ng domains under management to an impressive 212,890.

The accreditation of 23 new registrars further underscored NiRA’s expanding reach and collaborative success with its partners.

A pivotal moment was the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), significantly enhancing the integrity and trust of the .ng namespace.

NiRA also introduced a Registrar Incentive Programme in Q3 2024, rewarding top-performing registrars for their vital role in driving .ng adoption.

While speaking on partnerships, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya highlighted several strategic collaborations across government and private sectors.

These include NiRA’s long-standing partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), high-level discussions with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to strengthen the national data and privacy framework, and ongoing collaboration with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support businesses in thriving online.

He also mentioned engagements with the Nigeria Computer Society in line with shared goals of advancing Nigeria’s internet space, and partnership with the Innovation Support Network (ISN Hubs), among others, all of which the Association hopes to drive further this year.

Other notable milestones included the successful launch of Tech Convergence 1.0, a flagship event fostering discussions at the intersection of technology and creativity, and the 7th edition of the prestigious .ng Awards, which celebrated 19 organizations and 16 individuals for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Mr. Akinsanya also reaffirmed NiRA’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility through the NiRA Kids Foundation (NKF) and the .ng Academy, focusing on digital empowerment and capacity building.

The AGM also saw active participation from members who emphasized the need for deeper engagement across the Association’s activities, reflecting a shared vision for strengthening NiRA’s position in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.

The elections, conducted in strict adherence to NiRA’s guidelines, resulted in the emergence of new Executive Board of Directors members:

• Mrs. Mary Olaseni,
• Mrs. Abibat Olatunji, and
• Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy, CEO of Gigalayer.

Additionally, existing board members Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (MD/CEO) and Mr. Destiny Amana assumed new roles within the board.

NiRA extended its sincere gratitude to the outgoing board members for their invaluable service and contributions.

The seamless execution of the 17th AGM was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the NiRA Secretariat.

“NiRA remains steadfast in its mission to build a secure, accessible, and resilient digital ecosystem through the .ng domain, thereby reinforcing Nigeria’s digital identity on the global stage.

“Working collaboratively with its stakeholders, NiRA is poised to continue advancing innovation, national growth, and internet development in Nigeria”, the president said.

NiRA is a not-for-profit, non-governmental entity responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), “.ng”.

The organization plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability, security, and reliability of Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.

Ms. Onasanya succeeds Mrs. Eyitayo Iyortim, the immediate past COO, who has recently been elected as the Chairperson/President of the African Top-Level Domains (AfTLD).

As COO, Ms. Onasanya will lead NiRA’s management team, oversee day-to-day operations, and serve as Secretary to the Executive Board of Directors, with a mandate to drive operational excellence and strategic execution across the organization.

Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of NiRA, expressed confidence in Ms. Onasanya’s leadership, thus:

“With Ms. Onasanya’s extensive experience in business operations, strategy, management consulting, stakeholder engagement, and her broad exposure across the private and public sectors, we firmly believe she is the ideal leader to propel NiRA’s mission forward.”

“Her strong leadership skills and deep understanding of the DNS ecosystem and internet governance will be instrumental in advancing our position in this critical space. We are confident that her expertise will significantly contribute to NiRA’s continued growth and success.”

Ms. Onasanya brings over 20 years of professional experience to her new role. Prior to joining NiRA, she served as Director at SNEVA Global Associates, a business advisory and corporate development firm. She was also Director and Head of Business Advisory at FITC, and held the role of People & Organisation Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

She has led large-scale transformation projects across Nigeria and beyond, including consulting assignments for governments, regulatory agencies, and private sector institutions.

A recognized expert in organizational strategy, HR transformation, digital capability development, corporate governance, and leadership coaching, Ms. Onasanya has worked across Africa and Asia, supporting institutions in building future-ready capabilities.

Her appointment marks a strategic milestone for NiRA as it continues to champion internet accessibility, digital innovation, and national digital identity through the .ng domain space.

The NiRA team met with Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the national Commissioner, at the NDPC Headquarters in Abuja.

During the meeting, Mr. Akinsanya commended Dr. Olatunji for his unwavering dedication to enhancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria.

He emphasized NiRA’s role in overseeing more than 130 registrars using the .ng domain and highlighted the proactive training initiatives already in place to equip these registrars with the fundamentals of data protection.

Mr. Akinsanya also underscored the need for additional capacity-building opportunities for both NiRA staff and registrars, reaffirming the organization’s steadfast commitment to supporting NDPC’s vision for a secure digital environment.

“At NiRA, promoting data privacy is a priority, and the organization continues to implement various initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s internet space.

These efforts include training accredited registrars on Compliance & Domain Abuse Issues, delivering data protection and privacy training, and raising public awareness on these critical topics through extensive social media outreach”, he said.

In his reponse, Dr. Olatunji extended an invitation to NiRA to partner with the NDPC in hosting the upcoming Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference, scheduled for May 2025.

The meeting saw robust representation from NiRA, with key figures including Mr. Murtala Abdullahi (Vice President), Mrs. Busayo Balogun (Head of Corporate Services), Mrs. Uchechi Kalu (Abuja Admin Officer), Mr. Habeeb Wahab, and Mr. Olumide Coker (Dean of NG Academy).

This productive dialogue between NiRA and the NDPC underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a secure digital ecosystem.

By aligning our goals, both organizations are working to ensure Nigeria’s internet space remains robust, resilient, and ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving digital world.

“As NiRA continues to champion data protection and privacy, this partnership with the NDPC marks a pivotal moment in our shared mission. Together, we are setting the stage for a safer digital future for Nigeria and the African continent”, Mr. Akinsanya added.

[Source] Image: NiRA/Facebook]

The .ng domain, a symbol of Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and a key enabler of digital growth, is fast becoming a cornerstone of the nation’s digital economy.

NiRA, the organisation responsible for managing the .ng domain, has relentlessly ensured a secure, reliable, and accessible online presence for individuals and businesses, having recorded a commendable 229,596 .ng domain registrations as of August 27, 2024.

Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, president of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), represented by Peter Oluka, member, Executive Board of Directors, NiRA, revealed this during his keynote address at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 held at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, themed, “Impact of AI On National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria.”

Akinsanya stated that the country is at a sensitive moment in its digital transformation, highlighting the indispensability of the .ng domain in enhancing Nigeria’s national digital identity.

The .ng domain has gone beyond a mere digital suffix, it now represents a national asset. The domain is a big part of many important enablers of digital transformation, offering a uniquely Nigerian online presence in the global internet sector. 

Mr. Akinsanya noted this as he spoke on NiRA’s tireless efforts in promoting the adoption of the .ng domain.

This achievement is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s overall digital growth, with the digital economy now contributing over 14% to the country’s GDP. 

From fintech startups bolstering financial services to digital platforms enhancing access to education, Nigeria’s digital industry is adapting rapidly, driven by innovation and a growing online presence.

However, Mr. Akinsanya also acknowledged the challenges that come with this growth. “With these opportunities come significant challenges,” he said. “Issues of digital inclusion, cybersecurity, infrastructure deficits, and the digital skills gap continue to hamper our progress.” 

These challenges are pressing, as they bring about risks to the integrity and security of Nigeria’s digital sovereignty.

To address these challenges, NiRA has taken assertive measures to ensure that the .ng domain remains accessible, affordable, and secure for all Nigerians. 

Mr. Akinsanya pointed out that NiRA has partnered with various stakeholders to make sure that “every Nigerian, regardless of their location, can have a digital identity that they can trust.” 

This is essential for businesses, government services and individual connectivity to the global economy.

Cybersecurity, a big issue with the increasing digitalisation of Nigeria’s economy, was a major focus of Mr. Akinsanya’s speech. 

He noted that cybersecurity threats are on the rise but NiRA is working with industry partners, government agencies, and international bodies to ensure that Nigeria’s cyberspace is safe and resilient. 

He stressed the importance of “advocating for robust policies, enhancing public awareness on cybersecurity best practices, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency.”

The issue of digital inclusion was another urgent point in Mr. Akinsanya’s address. He stated that for Nigeria to truly leverage the prospects of ICT, it must bridge the digital divide that exists across various segments of society. 

Through initiatives like the .NG Academy, NiRA is working to improve digital literacy and expand internet access to underserved communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.

Mr. Akinsanya further called for collaboration among all stakeholders — industry leaders, policymakers, academia, and civil society — to build a resilient digital sector that supports innovation, meets future infrastructure demands, and cultivates a skilled workforce ready to lead in the digital world.

“We believe in the power of the internet to transform lives, to create opportunities, and to drive our nation’s development,” he stated. 

“Let us seize this moment to shape the future of ICT in Nigeria—a future that is bright, secure, and inclusive,” Mr. Akinsanya concluded, pointing to the country’s progress and prosperity.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN’s) 80th Public Meeting [the ICANN80 Policy Forum], will be held from 10–13 June 2024 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.

This event, hosted in collaboration with the Republic of Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, marks the first ICANN meeting to take place in Rwanda.

This underscores ICANN’s commitment to fostering global participation and collaboration in the governance of the Internet.

The ICANN80 Policy Forum will convene stakeholders from around the world, including representatives from governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and the technical community.

Over four days, participants will engage in discussions on key issues affecting the Internet’s Domain Name System [DNS], including the need for improved DNS security, expanding the DNS to support more languages and scripts, and the evolution of domain name registration policies.

The forum aims to foster international collaboration and set the stage for future developments in Internet governance.

Prior to ICANN80, the High-Level Government Meeting [HLGM] is scheduled for 9 June 2024.

Chaired by the Hon. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, the HLGM will highlight the critical role of governmental bodies in shaping ICANN policies and initiatives.

This meeting, led by ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee, will focus on promoting governmental engagement and fostering effective collaboration, to align and enhance global Internet governance efforts.

“We are excited to host the international community in Kigali for the ICANN80 Policy Forum and High-Level Government Meeting,” said Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT & Innovation. “The Policy Forum will lead efforts to maintain a secure, stable, and interoperable internet, and set the stage for future developments and emerging trends in global internet governance. Our contributions as the local host for ICANN80 give us an opportunity to demonstrate our critical contributions towards global internet governance and the advancement of meaningful internet connectivity for all.”

ICANN Interim President and CEO Sally Costerton commented on the significance of the meeting:

“ICANN80 is a vital platform for advancing global digital inclusivity and strengthening cybersecurity measures. It will facilitate robust multistakeholder engagement and discussions on critical initiatives like the New Generic Top-Level Domain Program, particularly focusing on Internationalized Domain Names and the Applicant Support Program. The HLGM will further emphasize the essential role of governments in our collaborative efforts to address challenges such as data privacy and DNS abuse.”

Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, the president of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), dropped the hint in his message to stakeholders who gathered [physically and virtually] at the association’s 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Lagos, recently.

Giving account of the Executive Board of Directors (EBoD’s) stewardship in the past one year, Mr. Akinsanya said that as of February 2024, NiRA registrars have registered 215,441 .ng domain names.

He said that .ng as Nigeria’s Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) has become increasingly popular for use in websites and email addresses.

The number of .ng domain names reached 212,890 as disclosed in the NiRA Audited Account for the year ending December 31st 2023, which also shows an increase by 29,098 when compared to 183,792 recorded as at December 2022.

Mr. Akinsanya also applauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration on the Renewed Hope agenda aimed at leveraging the digital economy to better the worth of the citizens.

He also commended Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy who has shown understanding of the need to intensify the adoption of Nigeria country code top-level domain (ccTLD), .ng within and outside the government circle, adding that NiRA as a multi-stakeholder-led organization has enjoyed support from the Kashifu Inuwa led National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), especially in the crusade for both public and private organisations to switch over to .ng.

“The need for both the government and private institutions to switch-over to .ng brand is no longer negotiable in view of the significant role it plays in the country’s digital economy agenda”.

He said that NiRA supports the Minister in his efforts to ‘promote transparency in governance, protecting the Nigerian cyberspace, and promotion of the Digital Nigeria agenda’.

NiRA has been pushing for the government to accelerate the adoption of the second-level domain (. gov. ng, .edu.ng, .mil.ng) under the country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD.ng).

Speaking further, the NiRA chief said that a total of twenty-two new registrars were accredited last year, “showing the collective efforts of NiRA Accredited Registrars and their Resellers, which we duly acknowledge and appreciate.

“Our commitment to nurturing a robust partnership with our accredited registrars remains unwavering. The establishment of the Registrar’s Relationship Manager position exemplified this dedication, as it provides a specialized resource to address registrars’ needs and to cultivate stronger bonds among stakeholders.

“Together, we are poised to further elevate the .ng domain and advance our collective objective”, the NiRA President said.

Earlier in her goodwill message, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, chairperson, Board of Trustees of NiRA, said:

“Having gone through the documents associated with this meeting, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for each one of you.

“Your dedication, commitment, and contributions to our organization have been instrumental in our continued success and growth.

“It is a time for us to come together as a community, to share ideas, insights, and experiences, and to reaffirm our shared vision and mission.

“As Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, I am inspired by the passion and enthusiasm that each of you brings to this body. Your unwavering support and commitment to our cause have been the driving force behind our accomplishments, and I am confident that together, we will overcome any obstacles that may lie ahead”.

The .ng domain extension is unique to Nigeria, and it can give businesses a strong local identity.

This can help establish trust with customers, which is especially important for businesses that rely on local customers.

Mr. Akinsanya made the comments at NiRA Executive Board of Directors (EBOD) and Management Training held at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

The NiRA Executive Board and Management Training at LBS spanned a series of intensive interactive sessions designed to address critical challenges and opportunities in the digital domain.

The training program emphasized the importance of strategic vision, ethical decision-making, and resilience in the face of digital disruptions.

Participants gained insights into global best practices in digital governance, risk management, and leveraging digital technologies for business growth and societal impact.

Mr. Akinsanya, highlighted the significance of the collaboration with LBS, stating,

“The NiRA EBOD/Management Training at LBS underscores our commitment to fostering a robust digital ecosystem in Nigeria. It equips leaders with the expertise to address complex digital challenges especially in accounting and financial management while harnessing the immense opportunities of the digital age.”

The program featured distinguished speakers, industry practitioners, and faculty members from LBS, providing a holistic learning experience enriched with real-world case studies and practical insights.

Participants commended the program for its relevance, depth of content, and interactive learning approach, noting its immediate applicability to their roles and responsibilities.

The NiRA EBOD Training at LBS represents a milestone in advancing digital leadership and governance in Nigeria.

“By equipping leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and strategic insights, the program contributes to building a resilient and innovative digital ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and societal development, especially from NiRA perspective. We must fashion out ways of increasing .NG domain name adoption which is our national pride in the digital space”.

Speaking further on why Nigerians and businesses should adopt the .NG domain name, the NiRA president said, “.NG domain name gives your brand special recognition both on and offline.

“Using a .ng domain name can help your business stand out in the Nigerian and global market. It is a great way to differentiate your brand from competitors and establish a unique identity. A .ng domain name is easier to remember, which can make it more likely that customers will return to your website in the future”, he said.

“It instantly communicates to internet users that your business is located in Nigeria. This can be especially helpful if you operate in a niche or industry where location is important to customers”, the NiRA boss added.

He added that Google and other search engines prioritize local content in search results, hence using a .ng domain name can help improve your website’s search engine ranking for local searches.

They were elected on Friday April 28, 2023, during NiRA’s 15^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at “The Zone”, Gbagada, Lagos State.

Prior to his election, Mr. Akinsanya was a member of the Executive Board of NiRA under the leadership of Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the immediate past president (IPP).

Members also elected officials to fill vacant positions on the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the Executive Board of Directors (EBoD).

Elected to NiRA BoT are Mrs. Mary Uduma; Mr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u; Mrs. Ibukun Odusote; Mr. Remmy Nweke, and Mr. Biyi Oladipo.

While Mr. Ebenezer Dare; Mr. Seun Kehinde; and Mr. Peter Oluka were elected as members of the EBoD.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, expressed gratitude and immense appreciation to the members for electing him as president. 

“This is a call to greater service, and I promise to justify the confidence reposed in me” he affirmed.

Akinsanya, a Director at Upperlink Limited, had expressed in his manifesto, that he would employ winning formula: people, processes, performance, and accountability, to continue repositioning NiRA for greater success.

He focused on a few key areas such as improved Registry-Registrar relationship, stating his strong belief that “the relationship between the Registry and Registrar can be deepened thereby making it a win-win situation”, and promising improved incentives for Registrars which, according to the new president, would lead to mutual growth.

He also promised to expand NiRA’s outreach with more engagements with Local and international industry players: “As your president, I pledge to push for more of NiRA’s engagements within the local and international ecosystem and other industry partners. This is very important because it fosters the bond with such players thereby giving NiRA more exposure to the internet communities. Also, collaboration with government and regulatory bodies, would facilitate policy development thereby leading to increased adoption of .ng domains. Industry partners include ICANN, AFRINIC, IGF, AFTLD, etc.

The President also promised increased capacity building for NiRA members, non-members, and Registrars through NiRA’s Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV). “I will make sure we fully utilize NiRA’s SPVs (.NG Academy and Ndukwe Kalu Foundation) for the purpose of capacity building/ training for NiRA members and the Registrars by providing scheduled webinars on relevant industry topics.

With regards to Brand Awareness and Collaboration, he stated that he would

“push for more NiRA brand awareness by collaborating with the Registrars”. Other areas of focus include the signing of the .ng ccTLD zones, and strategic stakeholder management.

Akinsanya craved for the support of members to make NiRA a success story for the entire continent and beyond.

NiRA is a Not-for-Profit, Non-Governmental Self-Regulating body and managers of the .ng national resource, the country code Top Level Domain(ccTLD) name space in the public interest of Nigeria and global internet communities.

NiRA adopts the 3R (Registry/Registrar/Registrant) model of operation in the registration of domain names. 

The implication of this is that NIRA does not handle the registration of domain names directly.  Registration can only be carried out through NIRA accredited Registrars.

NiRA currently has over 100 Certified Registrars.  For more information, visit: www.nira.org.ng and to register a .ng domain, please visit www.register.ng.