The meeting, marked by robust participation from members, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, centred on NiRA’s continued performance, strategic direction, and the imperative of deepening Nigeria’s digital identity through the .ng country code top-level domain (ccTLD).

Attendees at the AGM gave a resounding commendation to NiRA’s leadership and management team for their steadfast commitment to managing and sustaining the .ng domain registry. Members praised the Association for delivering operational excellence, maintaining registry stability, and driving meaningful growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

NiRA was specifically recognised for its efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem providing a secure, reliable, and trusted infrastructure that underpins online identities for businesses, institutions, and individuals across the country.

Members highlighted the Association’s resilience in the face of global and local headwinds, noting that its consistent performance has reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s internet governance framework.

Stakeholders reaffirmed the strategic importance of the .ng domain as more than a technical resource it is a sovereign national asset and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital identity.

With Nigeria ranking among Africa’s largest internet markets, the .ng domain represents a critical enabler of economic growth, digital commerce, and institutional credibility.

The AGM underscored that every Nigerian business, public institution, and innovator operating online has both an opportunity and a responsibility to adopt the .ng domain as their primary digital address reinforcing national identity while contributing to the growth of a locally anchored internet ecosystem.

A significant outcome of the AGM was a unified call from stakeholders for stronger policy intervention to drive the adoption of .ng domains among Nigerian businesses.

Participants emphasised that organic growth, while encouraging, must be complemented by deliberate institutional frameworks that make .ng the default choice for new and existing businesses.

Stakeholders specifically called for enhanced collaboration between NiRA and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), urging the integration of .ng domain registration into the business incorporation and renewal process.

Such alignment, members argued, would create a seamless pathway for businesses to establish their digital presence under a Nigerian domain from inception.

Additional recommendations included the development of government-backed policy frameworks that incentivise .ng adoption, the creation of regulatory guidelines that recognise .ng as a standard for digital credibility, and public sector leadership in adopting .ng domains to signal confidence in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVES

“.ng is more than a domain it is Nigeria’s digital identity. Our focus remains on strengthening trust, driving adoption, and ensuring that Nigeria fully benefits from its internet ecosystem. Every organisation that registers under .ng is not just building a website; they are investing in the sovereignty and credibility of Nigeria’s presence in the global digital economy.” — Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, president, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).

“We have continued to build a resilient and secure registry that supports businesses, innovators, and institutions across Nigeria. Our priority is to deepen adoption, expand our stakeholder base, and create greater value throughout the .ng ecosystem. The growth trajectory we are on reflects the hard work of our team and the trust our members continue to place in us.” — Mrs. Oluwaseyi Onasanya, chief operating officer (COO), NiRA

“The Nigeria Internet Registration Association as a model multi-stakeholder institution that has sustained effective collaboration with government over the years. He noted that this approach reflects a strong and successful framework, positioning Nigeria more prominently on the global digital map.” — Mr. Biyi Oladipo, member, Board of Trustees, NiRA.

“Adoption of .ng among new businesses must be driven through policy and institutional alignment. The frameworks already exist what is needed is coordinated political will and cross-agency collaboration to translate intent into action,” — Mr. Muhammed Rudman, past president, NiRA

Looking ahead, NiRA outlined an ambitious agenda focused on expanding public awareness of the value of .ng domains, deepening partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector, and accelerating digital economy participation among Nigerian businesses.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to investing in infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, and stakeholder education ensuring that the .ng registry remains a world-class, trusted foundation for Nigeria’s digital future.

NiRA also signalled its intent to lead strategic conversations at regional and continental levels, positioning Nigeria as a model for internet governance in Africa.

As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, NiRA stands as a steadfast pillar in the nation’s internet ecosystem.

The Association’s unwavering commitment to excellence, governance, and stakeholder value positions it not only as the custodian of Nigeria’s domain registry, but as a strategic partner in building a prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

NiRA remains resolute in its mission to drive .ng adoption, champion internet governance, and ensure that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure continues to serve as a launchpad for innovation, investment, and national development.

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is the registry responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain, .ng.

The session was moderated by Abimbola Aderibigbe, the Registrar Relationship Manager at the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), with Mr Peter Oluka, Editor of Techeconomy, explaining the importance of the .ng domain in this period of digital growth.

The in-depth conversation touched on how the .ng domain, as Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), can be a necessary tool for businesses and content creators, providing both local and global advantages.

The .ng Domain: A National Asset and Identity

Mr Oluka explained the indispensable role of the .ng domain as a national asset and a representation of Nigeria’s identity in the digital space. He stated, “.ng gives the user a unique identity. There’s something that points to the word that this platform or this user is actually from Nigeria, or is resident in Nigeria, or is coming from Nigeria.”

He further stressed that the .ng domain goes beyond being just a technical tool, but is also a symbol of national pride. “.ng is our unique national identity in the digital space,” he asserted, noting it as a core part of Nigeria’s online presence.

The Benefits of .ng Over Generic Domains

One of the key points Mr. Oluka highlighted was the branding advantage that comes with using a .ng domain. He explained how it sets businesses apart by strengthening their Nigerian identity. 

He reiterated that the .ng extension can strengthen a brand’s position in the market. “If I ask you about Nigerian banks, anyone who visits a bank’s website using the .ng domain, knows that this is a Nigerian bank,” Mr. Oluka said, stressing the connection between .ng and national recognition.

Again, he pointed out the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In adopting a .ng domain, businesses improve their visibility within Nigeria. He mentioned Google’s use of google.com.ng as an example of how search engines prioritise location-based domains to deliver relevant results. 

“Why do you think that Google has google.com.ng? Because anything you’re searching for related to Nigeria is filtered to this domain,” Mr Oluka explained.

He also touched on the global benefits. While some might perceive the .ng domain as limiting businesses to Nigerian markets and restricting their global reach, Mr Oluka clarified that it is a stepping stone to global recognition, especially if the content is universally relevant. 

“For instance, for us in Techeconomy, our top five countries for traffic are Nigeria, the US, UK, South Africa, and Ghana. .ng does not limit you to Nigeria alone,” he shared.

The Potential for Startups and Tech Companies

The discussion moved towards the role of .ng domains for startups, particularly in the tech space. Mr Oluka noted that the .ng domain offers startups a distinct advantage in terms of visibility and recognition, particularly for Nigerian investors and stakeholders. 

He pointed to the example of AgriTech startups that could benefit from the visibility provided by a .ng domain, saying, “For startups in areas like health, e-commerce, or AgTech, having a .ng domain helps you get recognised. It’s a unique identity that shows you’re part of the Nigerian ecosystem and helps you attract local and global attention.”

He also mentioned the growing use of .ng domains by well-known platforms such as theguardian.ng and leadership.ng, ascertaining that even large, established brands are adopting the domain to maintain their Nigerian identity online.

Affordability of the .ng Domain

One of the session’s most practical takeaways was the affordability of the .ng domain compared to international generic domains. 

Mr Oluka explained that while registering domains with international providers can be expensive, the .ng domain is more cost-effective, particularly because it allows payments in Naira. 

He said, “If you look at .ng today, the price is quite competitive compared to what you see out there. You’re going to pay in Naira, and that makes it more affordable for Nigerian businesses.”

He also recommended working with local registrars to ensure the best experience and support when registering a .ng domain.

How to Register a .ng Domain

For those interested in adopting the .ng domain, Mr. Oluka provided guidance on how to get started. He advised businesses to visit register.ng, the official portal for registering .ng domains. “It’s your go-to platform for registering your .ng domain,” he urged.

He further explained that businesses should begin by choosing the right name for their domain, one that aligns with their brand and target audience. “Before we started Techeconomy, I had 25 domain names in mind. But then, the name ‘Techeconomy’ came to me, and it was a perfect fit for our vision,” Mr Oluka recounted, sharing his experience in selecting a domain name.

At the NiRA Tech Convergence 1.0, Mr Oluka’s message on adopting a .ng domain reiterated the patriotic choice and also provided businesses with a solid tool to enhance their visibility, branding, and global reach. 

He urged these businesses and content creators to take on the .ng domain, especially in the face of a fast changing digital space.

“If you are not on .ng, you are missing out,” he concluded, pointing to the notion that Nigeria’s identity in the digital world must be proudly showcased through the .ng domain.

Embracing .ng is both a smart business move and an enhancement of Nigeria’s digital presence.

A message on AfTLD’s website confirmed the appointment, by the Organisation Executive Committee, of Mrs Iyortim from Nigeria (.NG) as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee and President of the Organization.

She will be deputized by Prof Idrissa Sarr, vice president and the manager of the .SN ccTLD.

Mr Joel Karubiu from Kenya (.KE) continues as the Treasurer.

The newly elected Executive Committee members are Mr. Molehe Wesi, Chief Executive Officer .ZA Domain Name Authority (.ZA) and Deo Gratias Tonouhewa Manager JenySAS operator (.BJ).

Other members of the Executive Committee include Ms. Grace Ingabire, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Information and Communications Technology Alliance (.RW), and Mr. Molupe Molupe, Manager of Lesotho Network Information Centre (.LS)

Who is Eyitayo Iyortim?

Eyitayo Iyortim is the immediate past chief operating officer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).

He has a Masters in Organisational Psychology from the University of Manchester, UK.

Eyitayo has over 20 years’ experience in Project Management, Training solutions, Talent Management Solutions,  Organisational Transformation, Culture re-enginerring, IT Sales and Services.

She has worked for local and global brands which includes SAP, Focus on the Family, Nigeria Internet Registration Association to mention a few.

She also consults on ERP, Digitalisation and HR projects.

Eyitayo has worked in project teams for many top-tier organisations in Nigeria including NNPC, FIRS, Dangote, UAC, NLNG.

She is a member of the British psychological Society with CPDs in Employee Management, Relationships at Work and Assesment Centre Management.

She is also certified in Ability and Personality testing, Project Management and Life Coaching.

AFTLD

AfTLD is recognized as the representative of country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) managers from Africa.

It is an active participant in the ICANN ccNSO, and also actively participates in various Internet governance fora with the African continent and beyond, including the IGF, where it has run a number of workshops.

With collaboration in Internet governance and development a cornerstone of the bottom up policy development processes that make the Internet truly a multi-stakeholder phenomenon, AfTLD works in collaboration and partnership with other Regional Top-Level Domain Organizations (RTLDOs), these being APTLD, CENTR and LACTLD.  

Quick look:

• African country code Top-level Domains record 4.33million registrations + 1.4 million generic top level domain registrations from African entities
• The projected average annual overall growth in the number of domain names across the continent is 12.4%
• Over 1.1 million kilometres of terrestrial and submarine fibre cables interconnect the continent
• Average African spends about 4% of their monthly income on 1GB of data – twice the global affordability target

In the latest study commissioned by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in collaboration with PowerSoft Africa, Nigeria moved up to second place in the Africa Domain Name Industry.

Similarly, African country code Top-level Domains report shows 4.33million registrations as at November 2023 and additional 1.4 million generic top level domain registrations from African entities.

Covering 54 countries in Africa, the ICANN report released by the Coalition for Digital Africa at ICANN80 in Kigali, Rwanda, shows that high Internet access costs continue to limit widespread usage, with the average African spending about 4% of their monthly income on 1GB of data – twice the global affordability target.

Also, the projected average annual overall growth in the number of domain names across the continent is 12.4%, suggesting significant opportunities for local providers in individual country.

On infrastructure, the report indicates Over 1.1 million kilometres of terrestrial and submarine fiber cables interconnect the continent, enhancing cross-border communications and internet access, and a significant concentration of web content and domain hosting remains within only a few countries, underscoring the need for more localized Internet service.

For Nigeria, the report shows that “as with South Africa and Kenya, Nigeria has multiple undersea cables. The ccTLD is well run as there are now six IXPs and multiple Data Centres.

“Nigeria’s biggest advantage is its huge population and large economy. Nigeria has the highest number of Internet users on the continent. Coming in just after Kenya on the number of ccTLD domains but ahead on gTLD domains, Nigeria also has a high score from its six IXPs.

Speaking at the unveiling of the report, Sally Costerton, ICANN’s Interim President & CEO, said that report that sheds light on the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the Domain Name System (DNS) across Africa.

“Building on the initial study conducted in 2016, this study provides critical insights into how the landscape has evolved and where it is headed.

The study is an integral part of ICANN’s commitment to support the growth and development of the Internet’s infrastructure, namely the DNS infrastructure, in a highly dynamic region.

It was also created in response to a request from the African community within the context of the implementation of the ICANN Africa Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2025”.

She said that the recommendations focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, regulatory adjustments, and capacity building, which are crucial for harnessing the full potential of the DNS industry in Africa.

According to recent NiRA report, the .ng domain name, Nigeria’s Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD), has crossed 215,000 registrations.

Commenting on the report, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), expressed delight on Nigeria’s domain name growth trajectory.

According to him, the report is a reflection of NiRA and other stakeholders’ efforts, particularly, the registrars, towards deepening the country’s DNS industry.

In his words, “the study that was done regarding the DNS industry in Africa and I am privy to the first edition in which Nigeria was not even in the top three. Today, we are number two in Africa. It shows that the efforts of NiRA, both past and present EBoD and the secretariat staff, alongside the registrars, our efforts are making impacts.

“The study also shows the commitment of the registry in making sure that the best practices in the DNS industry are followed.

“Secondly, this is a continental rating; we are not the ones praising ourselves. The message we (NiRA) has for the DNS community in Nigeria is that we do not have any other country. So, .NG is our collective passport in the digital space. From businesses, web developer community, registrars, businesses and individuals adopting .NG, we salute your efforts. We can do more, because we are not the first yet. There are lots of grounds to cover. So, let’s push for more adoption of the .NG while we tackle all necessary challenges on the way”, Akinsanya said.

Murtala Abdullahi, the CEO of Smartweb Nigeria Limited, one of the NiRA registrars, said the report shows increased acceptability of the .NG brand.

He added that the country is privileged to have huge population with a lot of individuals and businesses showing interest in the .NG domain name.

“Two years back, we have people adopting more of .com.ng, but today they are converting to .NG. We register more of the .ng than even the .com.

“So, people are now beginning to understand the value of the .ng in terms of the optimization, SEO and other things.

“And another factor is the exchange rate. So, it helps to boost the adoption of .ng, because in terms of price competitiveness, .com is around N20,000 while .ng is below N15,000.

On his part, Sir Remmy Nweke, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa Media, and a leading voice in .NG advocacies, said he was glad that efforts of both NiRA BOT and the EBoD is paying-off, stressing the need for more vanguards for the .NG adoption in the country.

He said, “I’m excited in the sense that despite that, we’re not there yet, we’re making steady progress. So, it is a way of encouragement that the study came out positively for us. And I’m sure we will continue to collaborate to make sure that whatever is being done is on progressive line to make sure that even if it is next year, or in the next few years that we’re going to conduct this exercise again, there must be improvements on our internet adoption, local hosting and other variables.

“In general, .ng is our brand. So, every Nigerian is expected to buy into this dream. Get at least one domain for yourself. And then when you use it, always make time to share the stories of how you are using it. If you have issues, please report back to us (NiRA) so that it will be resolved”.

According to the report, Google indexes a total of 44.3 million web pages under the .NG domain, significantly up from 16 million, in the year under review.

The country’s .ng domain name registration, renewal and restoration continued to grow with a new record of 211,164 as of November 2023.

The current statistics, available on the official website of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) registry, showed that the .ng domain name registration, renewal and restoration, rose again from 203,904 in September of the year under review, to 206,970 in October, before reaching 211,164 in November.

In his end-of-year message to .ng DNS stakeholders, Mr. Sola Akinsanya, the President of NiRA, said it was ‘A Year of Digital Triumph: Closing Remarks for 2023’.

He said that serving as the custodians of the .ng domain, NiRA’s role has been pivotal, underscored by strategic partnerships and the unwavering dedication of the secretariat to advancing Nigeria’s internet landscape.

Recall that members of the NiRA elected a new Executive Board (EBoD) on Friday April 28, 2023, during the 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) where Mr. Akinsanya emerged the President.

“From the outset of my tenure as President, a central pillar of our mission has been to fortify NiRA’s presence and expand its influence in the digital landscape”.

He added that a key strategy to realise this vision was to cultivate significant collaborations.

Akinsanya said NiRA would continue to sensitise Nigerians and Nigerian businesses on the need to populate .ng domain name.

The right domain can be a source of profit, but also a key indicator of the shaping of international relations and geopolitics.

Domain and hosting specialists Fasthosts’ 2023 State Of The Web Report revealed 2022’s top-level domain (TLD) registration figures, dynamics and trends of the domain industry for the previous year, and shed light on its growing correlation to the intricacies of operating in a centralised global network. Here are some of the top findings:

Navigating A Global Network

By the end of 2022 there were 350 million active domain names, and 308 ccTLDs. ccTLDs are associated with specific countries or territories and allow for users when searching for a website to be directed to the correct regional page. However, they are often subject to political decisions and agreements between countries and organisations which can at times lead to disputes around changes in domain ownership.

Europe – The Leading Region For TLDs

Leading the way, Germany (.de), the UK (.uk) and The Netherlands (.nl) take the top spot demonstrating their dominance in the European domain landscape.

Their popularity can be attributed to their association with some of Europe’s strongest economies and their recognition as reputable domain extensions for businesses and organisations alike.

Oceania – Small-Scale Islands, Large-Scale Contenders

As expected, the larger and more established islands of Australia and New Zealand featured in the top three largest ccTLDS however, in first place was the sparsely inhabited island of Tokelau with 5.04 million registrations.

Over the years, there have been reports that the revenue generated from their domain sales have seen a huge rise in their GDP, which in 2012, had the lowest GDP output in the entire world.

Similarly, .tv (Tuvalu), .pw (Paulau), .fm (Micronesia), .to (Tonga), and .ws (Samoa), among other islands, have also leveraged the marketability of their domain extensions to attract registrants from around the world who want cheap domains or have ccTLDs with specific meanings or relevance to their businesses or projects.

In 2022, the island of Tuvalu made an estimated $10 million from the income of its .tv country code. Its domain sale to Twitch.tv in 2014 earned the country a $970 million profit, which enabled them to join the UN thanks to all the royalties produced from domain name registrations.

In 2020, Niue Island launched proceedings to regain control of their .nu TLD which was, in their opinion, wrongfully in the hands of the Internet Foundation of Sweden.

The Americas – Rising Giants

The top two country codes in the Americas were .br and .co. In recent years, Brazil has established its country code’s popularity due to the nation’s large population, economy, and increasing access to the internet. Colombia’s .co on the other hand, has gained global recognition as an abbreviation for .com, company, commerce, and community.

The US’s .us domain name comes 4th on the list at 1.8 million registrations, which is said to be down to the .com domain being used more prevalently on a global scale.

Although not in the list, the Caribbean island of Anguilla has received a spell of luck in the past few years with the rise of the popularity of artificial intelligence, with AI’s abbreviation the same as the island’s country code .ai.

Africa – Emerging Markets 

Gabon (.ga) has emerged as a prominent player in the African domain industry with over 7 million registered domains. Following in 2nd and 3rd place are .ml (Mali), and .cf (Central African Republic).

Each three’s success can be attributed to their accessibility and affordability, making them a strong choice for businesses and individuals across the continent.

With that said, their country codes have some of the highest number of distributed malware, which can lead to questions around ethics and regulations when managing the TLDs assimilated to developing countries where certain registries might have less stringent registration requirements in comparison to other TLDs.

Asia / Middle East – Innovative TLDs 

China (.cn) showcases its growing influence on a global scale with 8.98 million registered domains. Following closely behind are Russia (.ru) and India (.in), nations known for their technological advancements and growing industries, attracting businesses seeking to establish themselves in the trade market.

With that said, at the start of 2022, the future of the .ru domain was up for debate when domain sales were exempt from US sanctions on Russia in order to support activists’ and independent media’s fight against potential government propaganda.

Further emphasising the power of governments and organisations to exert control over domain names to enforce content regulations and censorship.

Also featured on the top 10 TLD’s are the Coco Islands and British India Ocean Territories who both have been at the centre of controversy in the past few years. Officials called for Australia to take over control of the .cc TLD after large amounts of criminal content became associated with the extension.

Whereas, the rights to the .io domains – a popular choice for crypto firms and NFT dealers – furthered disputes between the UK and Mauritius over the ownership of Chagos Islands. Consequently, the exiled Chagosians on the Island of Mauritius have never been able to access the rights to their domain or their royalties.

To Conclude

The domain name industry operates within the intricate web of geopolitics, where shifts in international relations can cause profound consequences on the allocation, management, and protection of domain names worldwide.

To ensure a more harmonious digital landscape, governments and regulatory organisations must prioritise balanced policymaking, considering its impact on different nations within the Domain Name System.

[Featured Image Credit]