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“We must challenge outdated views,” she said, “and see .ng as more than a domain, it’s an inclusive, transformative tool for every Nigerian, from government institutions and businesses to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.

The data underscores a consistent and significant adoption of the nation’s Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), reinforcing its pivotal role in the burgeoning Nigerian digital economy.

During the period spanning January to March 2025, a total of 40,791 .ng domain names were recorded.

This figure comprises 22,236 new registrations and 18,555 renewals, indicating a healthy balance between the acquisition of new digital identities and the sustained commitment of existing domain name holders to their online presence.

Analysis of the registration trends within the quarter reveals a notable upward trajectory, with a 13.92% increase in domain name registrations observed between February and March 2025.

This growth signifies an increasing recognition of the importance of a localized online identity by a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals, startups, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and larger organizations.

Notably, the .com.ng extension continues to be the dominant choice, accounting for over 60% of both new registrations and renewals, despite the deletions.

This reaffirms its status as the preferred domain name extension for Nigerian businesses seeking to establish a credible and locally relevant online brand presence while maintaining global accessibility.

The sustained popularity of .com.ng underscores its perceived value among Nigerian entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking to secure their digital real estate.

This upward trajectory isn’t happening by chance. The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has remained intentional in its drive for digital inclusion and domain adoption.

Through public education, training via the .ng Academy, outreach campaigns, and partnerships with stakeholders across the tech ecosystem, NiRA has consistently advocated for the importance of owning a local domain.

The current standing of .ng as the second most registered ccTLD in Africa reflects the efficacy of these efforts.

Digital adoption in Nigeria is no longer just about being online—it’s about owning your digital identity. And with a .ng domain, Nigerians are better positioned to assert that identity, connect with local and international audiences, and gain better control over their digital footprints.

As we look toward the rest of 2025, the Q1 results serve as a strong signal: more people are embracing the digital future, and the .ng domain is increasingly becoming their first step.

The future of Nigeria’s internet is local, and .ng is leading the way.

Organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the event took place at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, and celebrated leaders who have leveraged the .ng domain to drive innovation, growth, and right standing across Nigeria’s digital sector.

Themed “The Innovators of 2024,” the 7th .ng Awards celebrated businesses, individuals, and organisations that are advancing Nigeria’s internet ecosystem through creativity, local content, and technological impact. 

Speaking on the awards, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, president of NiRA, said they are part of the Association’s focus on promoting the .ng domain as a symbol of national pride and an enabler of digital transformation.

He said that Techeconomy’s recognition as NiRA Presidential Award for Best Supportive Media Partner “reiterates its relentless efforts in amplifying the importance of the .ng domain and supporting Nigeria’s tech sector”. 

Speaking on the honour, Mr Peter Oluka, editor of Techeconomy, said: “This recognition affirms our steadfastness in driving Nigeria’s digital prospects through responsible and impactful journalism. We have always believed in the .ng domain as an important element of Nigeria’s digital identity, and this award inspires us to do even more.”

Organised annually by NiRA, the awards aim to spotlight the unlimited power of the .ng domain in areas such as e-commerce, fintech, education, media, and governance.

Winners were selected based on criteria including website relevance, functionality, user experience, and local content creation. Public votes accounted for 40% of the total score, with the remaining 60% determined by a distinguished judging panel.

Techeconomy’s Contributions to the .ng Domain Ecosystem

Techeconomy has consistently highlighted the strategic importance of the .ng domain in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. 

During the NiRA Tech Convergence 1.0 Fireside Chat, Mr Oluka emphasised the .ng domain’s dual role as a branding tool and a representation of Nigeria’s identity in the global digital space.

“The .ng domain gives businesses and individuals a unique identity that points out their connection to Nigeria. It’s not just a technical tool; it’s a symbol of national pride and global competitiveness,” said Mr Oluka.

He also pointed to the branding and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) advantages of the .ng domain, stating that businesses using .ng are more visible within Nigeria while remaining accessible globally.

“For example, at Techeconomy, our traffic consistently comes not only from Nigeria but also from countries like the US, UK, South Africa, and Ghana. The .ng domain helps businesses attract both local and international attention,” he explained.

The Significance of the Award

The Best Supportive Media Partner award reaffirms Techeconomy’s indispensable role in promoting Nigeria’s internet space. 

Through its thought leadership, the platform has empowered startups, SMEs, and established companies to leverage the benefits of the .ng domain.

Techeconomy has helped amplify the relevance of the .ng domain and encouraged digital adoption across sectors. The company’s focus on supporting the space deserves this recognition.

He said that Techeconomy will continually drive conversations around the adoption of the .ng domain and stimulate a resilient digital economy in Nigeria. 

The platform encourages businesses and individuals to embrace the .ng domain, emphasising its affordability, local advantages, and global reach.

For those interested in registering their own .ng domain, visit register.ng for seamless onboarding into Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The session, moderated by Busayo Balogun, head of Corporate Services at the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), featured speakers including Omotola Olaseni, managing director/CEO of GO54; Ebenezer Dare, CEO of HOSTLAG Limited; Ahmad Mukoshy, CEO of GigaLayer; and Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone. 

These experts delved into the benefits, challenges, and untapped opportunities surrounding the adoption of .ng domains by Nigerian businesses and web developers.

The Case for Localisation: Leveraging .NG for Growth

Omotola Olaseni stressed the importance of owning a local domain: “If you want to succeed in Nigeria and truly establish your presence, having a .ng domain will go a long way for you and your business.”

Ebenezer Dare built on this, highlighting the technical advantages of .ng domains, particularly in reducing cyber risks and enhancing Search Engine Optimization (SEO): “Using a .ng domain and hosting locally reduces the number of attacks on your website. If your traffic is local, it helps your SEO because search engines prioritise locally hosted websites when people search within the country.”

He also noted the affordability of .ng domains, stating: “Many years ago, .com was way cheaper than .ng. But today, you can buy three .ng domains for the price of one .com. They are all top-level domains, so why not go with the cost advantage?”

Addressing Challenges

Ahmad Mukoshy acknowledged some challenges developers face when working with .ng domains, particularly with DNS configurations: “Developers tend to have challenges with manipulating or using DNS because it is complex, as simple as it seems.”

He further elaborated on the advantages of .ng domains, explaining their unique offerings compared to .com: “There are some other domain names you would want, and you would not find them under .com. The .ng domain gives you sovereignty and a unique identity as a Nigerian.”

Ebenezer Dare addressed misconceptions about .ng domains being “too local,” emphasising: “Some people say my business is global, so I don’t want to remain local. But even with a .ng domain, anybody from any part of the world can access your website and do business with you. Let’s educate our customers about these advantages and work to mitigate the challenges.”

.NG as a Symbol of Sovereignty

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju brought a historical perspective to the discussion, tracing the evolution of the internet from the early days of the World Wide Web to the current era of Web 3.0: “The future of the World Wide Web lies in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning. The .ng domain gives Nigeria a sovereign digital identity, akin to the country code +234. It shows that Nigerians are powering and contributing to the digital ecosystem.”

He also highlighted the government’s role in adopting .ng domains, noting the example of Service Wise GPT, an AI-powered platform recently launched to enhance civil service processes: “This project shows the potential of integrating AI into government services, and it is all powered by .ng domains. The local domain reinforces our identity and promotes innovation within the country.”

Building Awareness

In closing, the panel emphasised the need for increased awareness about the benefits of .ng domains. Busayo Balogun, the moderator, noted: “I’m sure there are challenges, but sessions like these help in building trust and confidence in the .ng domain.”

There was a consensus among the panellists that organisations like NiRA should engage with tech communities, schools, and businesses to drive .ng adoption.

Ebenezer Dare reiterated: “We need to create more awareness. Let people see the need for .ng domains. Engage tech communities and educate students about this. With time, more people will embrace .ng domains.”

The session at the NiRA Tech Convergence 1.0 was a detailed exploration of how webmasters and developers can leverage .ng domains to drive growth in Nigeria’s digital space.

It stressed the need for stakeholders to embrace local domains as tools for innovation, economic growth, and national identity.

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.

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.