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 issue came into focus at a Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Workshop organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), where journalists gathered under the theme “The Role of Media in Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Identity.”

In his opening remarks, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration with the media on digital identity awareness.

He described the session as a “handshake” between NiRA and journalists, stressing that the partnership is essential to growing Nigeria’s digital presence.

“I would like to begin with a critical question that should frame our engagement today: who truly owns Nigeria’s digital identity? Is it shaped by the platforms we use, the domains we register, or the narratives we amplify?” he said.

“The reality is that digital identity is neither accidental nor passive, it is deliberately constructed, and increasingly, it is contested. In this context, your role as journalists and media professionals becomes not just relevant, but strategic.”

The president encouraged participants to see themselves as active stakeholders in national development, urging a more patriotic approach to digital identity. “We should be seen doing it to be patriotic and to move this country forward.”

Speaking at the session, Adebiyi Oladipo, vice chair, ICANN ccNSO, also a researcher and lecturer said the issue goes beyond technology and shows how Nigeria values its own digital space.

“This is not about NiRA, this is about Nigeria,” he said.

He compared Nigeria with other countries, pointing to wide gaps between population size and the number of registered country-code domains.

China, with over 1.4 billion people, has about 21 million domain names. Germany, with 83.6 million people, has more than 17 million. The Netherlands, with just 18.4 million people, holds about 6.3 million domains.

Nigeria, by contrast, has only about 240,000.

The difference becomes apparent when measured per population. Germany has more than 200 domains per 1,000 people. The Netherlands records over 300. Nigeria stands at less than one.

“I find it really absurd that a country of over 200 million people we are struggling with 240,000 domain names,” Oladipo said.

A stronger economic framing came from Oluwaseyi Onasanya, COO of NiRA, who said the “.ng” domain is not a technical product but a national critical asset tied directly to economic survival and sovereignty.

“.ng is not a technical tool, but a national critical asset. It is the bedrock of a digital economy,” she said.

She warned that every time a Nigerian business chooses a foreign domain, the country loses part of its digital economic value.

“What that means is that we are taking out a significant part of our digital economy offshore,” she said.

Oladipo said Nigeria is failing to treat “.ng” as a national asset. Instead, many businesses prefer foreign domains, especially “.com”.

“When you choose .com, you are pushing the value away from our environment,” he said.

He described domain names as economic assets rather than technical tools, comparing them to land in real estate.

“The domain is not a technical asset. It’s an economic asset, because you can make money from it,” he said.

He added that the opportunity extends across a value chain, from domain registration to website development, digital marketing and online business growth.

Oladipo also addressed perception challenges, noting that many Nigerians wrongly believe local domains are less secure, even though infrastructure matches global standards.

“Everything that exists with .com exists with us,” he said.

He linked the slow adoption to mistrust and poor information, warning that false narratives can shape public opinion.

“There’s a lot of fragility around online credibility,” he said, referring to a recent fake video that falsely claimed an attack in Abuja.

He placed responsibility on the media to correct misinformation and promote local digital identity.

“Nobody is going to tell your story like you,” he said.

Onasanya stressed that the issue is not perception alone but structural economic leakage, explaining that foreign domain use results in capital flight as payments leave the country in foreign currency.

“Every foreign domain is a capital flight,” she said, noting that even small annual fees multiply into significant national losses when scaled across businesses.

Oladipo urged journalists to go beyond reporting startups and fintech, stressing that the domain system is the foundation those industries depend on.

“It’s akin to celebrating the house but ignoring the land,” he said.

He called on media professionals to act as educators, amplifiers and trust builders by explaining digital identity issues, promoting Nigerian platforms and calling out fraud.

He also urged organisations and individuals to adopt “.ng” domains for their platforms.

“For those who are not, switch to .ng,” he said.

Onasanya said policy intervention is critical to improving adoption, urging stronger government intervention through legislation, executive orders, and institutional enforcement.

She proposed that “.ng” should be mandatory for government communication, licensing, and procurement processes, and called for alignment with national identity systems such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Without stronger policy backing, she warned, adoption would remain slow. “Adoption is not luck, it is not by chance, it is driven by policy,” she said.

Despite the gap, Oladipo said the situation is not beyond repair, noting that the digital economy already contributes more than 20% to Nigeria’s GDP and continues to grow.

“There are endless possibilities for us,” he said.

He ended by challenging the media to take the lead in changing perception and driving adoption.

“Will you lead or will you follow?” he asked.

For years, the (.ng) namespace has been a proxy for the health of the country’s digital economy. The latest January 2026 Domain Report is out, and it suggests that the honeymoon phase of just getting online is evolving into something more mature: retention.

According to data released by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the headline figures show a total of 15,216 transactions in January alone.

But the real story lies in the delta between the people showing up for the first time and the people refusing to leave.

The Stats: New Dreams vs. Sustained Confidence

Nigeria recorded 8,111 new registrations last month. These are the fresh startups, the side hustles, and the Day 1 ideas finally going live.

However, the ecosystem also saw 7,105 renewals.

In the world of tech, a renewal is a much stronger signal than a registration. While a registration is often fueled by a flash in the pan idea, a renewal is a vote of confidence.

It says the business found a product-market fit, the brand has equity, and the founder is ready for Year 2 (or Year 10).

The 3rd-Level Engine

The bulk of the growth is still being powered by 3rd-level domains.

• The Volume: 6,155 new sign-ups (nearly 75% of all new registrations).
• The Why: Lower barriers to entry. 3rd-level domains remain the primary onboarding ramp for SMEs and local creators who need a digital footprint without the premium price tag of a 2nd-level domain.

Premium Players are Staying Put

The most interesting data point comes from the 2nd-level domains (direct .ng addresses). For the first time in a while, renewals (2,424) actually outpaced new registrations (1,956).

This is a massive signal of Premium Retention. The businesses that own high-value, 2nd-level .ng identities are not letting them go. They are treating these domains as core assets rather than experimental URLs.

The Big Picture

What does this mean for Nigeria’s digital footprint?

Accessibility is working: The high volume of 3rd-level domains shows that the entry-level internet is still accessible to the average Nigerian entrepreneur.

Trust is hardening: The spike in renewals suggests that the .ng namespace is shedding its image as a secondary option to .com.

Maturity: We are seeing a shift from a “land grab” (registering everything) to “homesteading” (building and maintaining specific digital properties).

The TC Take

For a long time, the .ng extension struggled against the global dominance of .com. But as Nigeria’s tech ecosystem matures and local SEO becomes more relevant for businesses targeting the 200-million-strong domestic market, the (.ng) string is becoming a badge of local authenticity.

The January data proves that while Nigerians are still prolific at launching new ideas, they are finally getting better at keeping them alive.

[Source: NiRA Domain Name Report]

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 new service, which is now live, will allow registrants of .ng domain names to shield their personal information, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses, from public visibility in the WHOIS database.

These data points will be replaced with the label “Data Redacted,” in a move that prioritizes user privacy, curtails unsolicited contact, mitigates spam, and aligns with global best practices in data protection and internet governance.

“The introduction of WHOIS Privacy Redaction is a pivotal development for the .ng domain ecosystem,” said Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, president of NiRA. “At NiRA, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our registrants and fostering a secure online environment. This free service reflects our dedication to data protection, public trust, and the continued growth of the .ng country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD).”

While personal contact details will be redacted, essential technical information such as nameservers, domain status, and registration or expiration dates will remain visible to ensure the stability and transparency of internet operations.

To accommodate legitimate access needs, NiRA has implemented a structured mechanism to support lawful inquiries, including from law enforcement agencies, through registrar-facilitated communication that protects the identity of the registrant.

This initiative follows broad stakeholder engagement and consensus reached at the NiRA Registrars Forum held on October 30, 2024, with a formal recommendation by the Domain Name Policy Committee and subsequent approval by NiRA’s Executive Board of Directors.

Technically, the redaction will be managed at the registry level, using infrastructure that already supports data protection protocols for EU citizens, thereby ensuring compliance with the provisions of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDPA) and reinforcing NiRA’s partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The launch of this service underscores NiRA’s broader vision to create a safer and more trustworthy digital environment for Nigerians.

By integrating privacy-forward policies, the Association continues to position the .ng domain as a reliable, secure, and globally respected namespace.

As NiRA continues to deepen partnerships and pursue strategic reforms under its newly elected Executive Board, initiatives like the WHOIS Privacy Redaction reflect a forward-thinking approach to internet governance and domain name management in Nigeria and across Africa.

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 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.

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.

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”.