The approval came during a meeting at NITDA headquarters where NiRA’s President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya led his board members to present the association’s 2026 vision to Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general.

Following the approval, both organisations expressed the resolve to reinforce their collaborative efforts to ensure smooth, rapid execution of their shared goals of increasing the adoption of the .ng domain across

To actualise the business plan, the DG directed NiRA to work hand-in-hand with NITDA’s e-Governance and Digital Economy Department for effective implementation, daily updates, and project tracking.

“You have my full approval for these initiatives. Let us change our strategy, sync up more closely, and ensure everything we have agreed upon during this presentation is fully implemented by next year,” Inuwa declared.

Highlighting some of NiRA’s impressive achievements over the past year, Akinsanya said 98,285 new registrations, 71,470 renewals, and 1,970 restorations were recorded in 2025, while there are 241,000 active .ng domains.

Beyond the numbers, NiRA also implemented important security upgrades, including the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), for a more secure and resilient internet experience for local users, as well as improvements in registrar support and engagement.

Looking into the future, Akinsanya said NiRA is intensifying action to make .ng and .gov.ng domains the gold standard across the country.

He expressed gratitude for NITDA’s ongoing support, calling for joint awareness campaigns and digital capacity-building to bring more state governments, local councils, and public institutions under the secure official domain.

Also, the NiRA president added that the association is updating its internal systems, introducing automation, and revising its constitution to meet globally acceptable standards to ensure sustainable growth.

“NiRA is looking into deeper stakeholder engagement and moving into areas where we see massive possibilities. We are specifically targeting startups and aligning with tech events across the country. With stronger collaboration, we can drive widespread adoption across every tier of government’’, Akinsanya said.

Under the theme “Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Independence: The Role of Policy, Digital Identity, and .ng for Economic Growth,” Tech Convergence 3.0 delivered a resounding consensus: the time for Nigeria to own, govern, and aggressively expand its digital identity is not tomorrow, it is now.

High-level Convergence: Government, Regulators and Industry Speak with One Voice

The breadth of institutional representation at Tech Convergence 3.0 was itself a statement. Key speakers and participants included:

• Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity)
• Hon. Stanley Olajide (Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity)
• Dr. Vincent Olatunji (National Commissioner and CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission)
• Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George (representing the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission)
• Engr. Salisu Kaka (representing the Director-General, NITDA)
• Grace Waniko Abhulimen (representing the Director-General, National Bureau of Statistics)
• Tony Izuagbe Emoekper (President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria — ATCON)
• Representatives from NIMC, Nigeria Copyright Commission, the Internet Society of Nigeria, and leading private sector organizations.

The Cost of Digital Dependency: $850 million and counting

Among the conference’s most sobering disclosures was the revelation that Nigeria loses an estimated $850 million annually by failing to fully leverage its own digital identity infrastructure.

Speakers drew a direct line between this economic hemorrhage and the nation’s continued dependence on foreign domains, offshore data hosting, and non-indigenous digital platforms, a dependency that not only exports revenue but surrenders jurisdictional control over Nigerian citizens’ data.

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, delivered the conference’s keynote address with striking geopolitical urgency.

Drawing parallels to the US-China tech war, the EU’s battles with Apple and Google over COVID contact-tracing sovereignty, and Israel’s use of digital infrastructure in warfare, Senator Salisu framed the .ng domain not as a registration technicality but as a matter of national security.

“We may have the Navy to protect our marine borders. Our Air Force may be free in the air to protect our airspace. But your data is somewhere in China. We are vulnerable as a people and that is why this conversation is extremely important. One area where we can take very good control is the .ng domain, because this is our address.” – Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity

Continuing, he said:

“Why would a nation physically residing in Nigeria give its contact address as France? Why should that be any different for the .ng domain? This is our address, and no one should be allowed to take it from us.”  

Legislative Commitments:

Both the Senate and House Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity issued concrete pledges at the conference.

Senator Salisu and Hon. Olajide committed to fast-tracking the National Digital Economy and E-Government Bill currently at its final legislative stage alongside a revised National Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Bill aligned with the UN Convention on Cybercrime. They also called on NiRA to produce a draft legislative bill emerging from the conference communiqué, along with three to five measurable targets to be assessed at Tech Convergence 4.0.

“We want to move from well said to well done. Whatever legislative support is required, you can be assured we will take it, evangelize it, and implement it. Because the moment you deliver it to us, it is no longer yours,it is something we will own and run with.” – Hon. Stanley Olajide, Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity

Beyond Nigeria: Leading Africa’s Digital Conscience

Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the West African Parliamentarians Network of Internet Governance, Senator Salisu called on NiRA to provide continental leadership in reclaiming IP address blocks allocated to Africa that have been diverted to other jurisdictions.

He argued that Nigeria with more JAMB applicants annually than the entire population of Gambia, and a data protection commission that African nations are travelling to study and replicate is not merely the Giant of Africa in name but the custodian of African digital conscience.

Hosting Nigeria Data on Nigerian Soil: The Case for Local Infrastructure

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the urgent need to migrate Nigeria’s institutional data currently dispersed across foreign clouds and foreign-domain platforms onto the .ng ecosystem.

The National Bureau of Statistics articulated the economic logic clearly: hosting on .ng improves accessibility, reduces latency, retains data under Nigerian jurisdiction, and creates domestic demand for local cloud services, data centers, and digital innovation.

Senator Salisu proposed bold structural interventions: requiring .ng email addresses for all JAMB applicants (over 2.5 million annually), mandating .ng domains for CAC-registered businesses and SMEDAN beneficiaries, and integrating .ng as a prerequisite for access to the Student Education Loan Fund. He further committed to accompanying NiRA leadership on courtesy visits to NIMC, BPP, NITDA, and other agencies to advocate for policy-level .ng mandates.

Launch of the .ng Ambassador Programme

One of the landmark announcements of Tech Convergence 3.0 was the formal introduction of the .ng Ambassador Programme, developed by NiRA’s .ng Academy Committee.

The programme is designed to build a structured network of high-influence advocates across government, industry, academia, and civil society who will champion .ng adoption within their spheres of authority.

Dr. Ibukun Odusote, Chairperson of the NiRA Board of Trustees, framed the initiative in unambiguous terms: the future growth of .ng cannot be achieved by NiRA alone.

The Ambassador Programme is not a marketing campaign, it is a strategic infrastructure for digital sovereignty, complementing NiRA’s existing pillars of policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity development, and market expansion.

“The .ng Ambassador Programme provides an opportunity for stakeholders to actively participate in shaping and promoting Nigeria’s digital future. Together, let us strengthen Nigeria’s digital independence. Together, let us build trust in our digital future.” – Dr. Ibukun Odusote, chairperson, NiRA Board of Trustees

“Digital independence does not mean isolation from the global internet. It means a secure, resilient, and competitive digital ecosystem that gives Nigeria greater control over its data, infrastructure, digital identity system, and online presence.” – Mr. Adesola Akinsaya, president, NiRA.

Meanwhile, NITDA expressed delight that its decision two decades ago to delegate .ng management to NiRA has been vindicated, and signalled openness to expanding NiRA’s mandate further as Nigeria’s digital ecosystem matures.

Dr. Olatunji made the commitment while delivering a goodwill message at Tech Convergence 3.0, organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), under the theme: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Independence: The Role of Policy, Digital Identity and .ng for Economic Growth.”

In his remarks, the NDPC boss commended NiRA for its achievements in promoting Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng) and fostering the growth of the nation’s internet ecosystem.

He also highlighted the strong and productive relationship between the Commission and NiRA, noting that both organisations share a common vision of building a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy.

Dr. Olatunji disclosed that one of the requirements for Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) accredited by the Commission is the adoption of a .ng domain name, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity and promoting local digital assets.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deepen its collaboration with NiRA through initiatives that support data protection, digital trust, and national digital development.

“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is closely tied to the strength of our digital identity,” Dr. Olatunji said. “At the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, we remain committed to supporting the development of a digital identity that Nigerians can proudly showcase globally while ensuring that privacy and data protection remain at the core of our digital transformation journey.”

As part of efforts to strengthen capacity within the internet ecosystem, the National Commissioner proposed data protection and privacy training programmes for NiRA registrars. According to him, the initiative forms part of the Commission’s contribution to the human capital development of stakeholders within the domain registration and internet governance space.

He noted that building a digitally skilled workforce is essential to safeguarding personal data, enhancing trust in digital services, and sustaining Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

The event attracted key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and the technology ecosystem.

Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Shuiab Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity; Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity; Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone; and Dr. Ibukun Odusote, Chairman of NiRA’s Board of Trustees, among others.

Tech Convergence 3.0 provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, promoting indigenous internet infrastructure, and accelerating the country’s digital economic growth.

.ng Ambassador Programme is a strategic initiative designed to deepen awareness, advocacy, and adoption of Nigeria’s country code top-level domain, .ng.

At Tech Convergence 3.0 in Abuja, NiRA conferred the inaugural National .ng Ambassador Recognition on Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, and Honourable Stanley Adedeji Olajide, chairman, House Committee on Information & Technology, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, support for innovation, and commitment to advancing indigenous digital infrastructure.

The .ng Ambassador Programme seeks to build a network of distinguished champions who will promote Nigeria’s digital identity and highlight the strategic importance of the .ng namespace across key stakeholder communities.

Conferring the honour on the recipients, Dr. Mrs. Ibukun Odusoke, chairperson, NiRA Board of Trustees, said this milestone reinforces NiRA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, fostering local content development, and positioning .ng as the preferred digital identity for Nigerians and Nigerian businesses.

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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.

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.

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What makes a domain name non-negotiable

A domain name is the foundation of how your business is seen, trusted, and found online.

Without a domain:

• Your business is harder to take seriously
• You are difficult to find or remember
• You miss out on visibility when people search for your brand

With a domain:

• You build trust with customers through a professional online presence
• You improve your visibility, making it easier for people to find you
• You establish a clear brand identity that belongs to you

By setting these record-low prices, Whogohost removes the primary financial barrier that has historically limited domain adoption among Nigerian businesses.

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The mistake most businesses make with domains

Many businesses postpone securing their domain name. They focus on refining the idea, developing branding, or seeking feedback, and delay taking action.

By the time they eventually check availability, the preferred domain name has often already been registered.

At that stage, the alternatives are limited:

• Choosing a modified or less effective version of the name
• Adding unnecessary characters or extensions
• Attempting to acquire the domain at a significantly higher cost

For startups, creators, and growing businesses, securing a domain early is one of the most practical steps toward establishing a credible and professional online presence.

Take the first step and secure your domain today.

Why .com.ng and .ng domain is worth securing

Nigeria’s country code domain extensions, .com.ng and .ng, are widely used by businesses that want to clearly signal their Nigerian identity online.

The .com.ng extension is especially popular with startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs launching their first websites.

It offers a familiar structure similar to global domains like .com while maintaining a strong local presence.

The .ng extension, on the other hand, is a shorter and more premium domain option that is often chosen by Nigerian brands looking for a distinctive and memorable web address.

Both extensions help businesses reinforce their connection to the Nigerian market while building a professional brand presence online.

With Whogohost’s current pricing – ₦3,000 for .com.ng domains and ₦9,200 for .ng domains until March 31st, entrepreneurs now have access to some of the most affordable Nigerian domains available today.

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Don’t stop with a domain. Build on it

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Whogohost is Nigeria’s leading provider of domain registration, web hosting, and cloud infrastructure services. As an ICANN-accredited and NiRA-accredited registrar, the company has supported digital growth for thousands of Nigerian businesses through dependable, affordable, and user-focused solutions.

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]]> https://techeconomy.ng/whogohost-launches-nigerias-most-affordable-com-ng-and-ng-domains-at-%e2%82%a63000-and-%e2%82%a69200/feed/ 0 https://techeconomy.ng/nira-15216-ng-domain-name-transactions-in-january-2026/ https://techeconomy.ng/nira-15216-ng-domain-name-transactions-in-january-2026/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:54:47 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=176687 In the Nigerian internet ecosystem, a domain name is more than just an address; it’s a digital deed of ownership.

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]

Reflecting on Two Decades of Growth and Digital Identity

In his remarks, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, noted that the anniversary and the 8th .ng Awards symbolise decades of “resilience, collaboration, transformation and nation-building through the .ng domain.”

He emphasised that visionary founders, entrepreneurs, NGOs, content creators, and institutions laid the foundation for what has become a critical asset in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

At the anniversary celebration, chaired by the organising committee led by Peter Oluka, NiRA’s stewardship of Nigeria’s digital identity was lauded as a cornerstone for national internet presence.

“What began as an ambitious dream two decades ago has grown into a vibrant ecosystem,” Oluka said, highlighting how .ng has empowered businesses, promoted local content, and anchored Nigeria’s presence on the global internet map.

Spotlight on Nigeria’s Digital Champions

The .ng Awards, now in its 8th edition, remains a major platform for recognising those who have leveraged the .ng domain to build robust digital presence and services. This year’s edition adds symbolic weight as it coincides with NiRA’s 20-year milestone.

Over the years, the .ng domain has grown substantially.

As at December 2025, the registry reported over 237,266 active .ng domains, underscoring increased adoption by businesses, institutions, and individuals across Nigeria’s digital landscape.

The strong growth reflects rising recognition of the importance of local domain names, a move that supports cybersecurity, local content development, and helps retain value within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Driving Digital Literacy, Inclusion and Local Content

As part of the anniversary activities, NiRA is not only celebrating the past, it’s doubling down on the future. The association announced a nationwide digital-literacy and awareness drive, including community walks in major cities and programmes targeting youth, NGOs, and educational institutions.

As stated by Oluwaseyi Onasanya, the chief operating officer of NiRA, the initiative aims to ensure “every community and every young Nigerian recognises that .ng is their gateway to opportunities: local, secure and globally recognized.”

Part of the outreach includes supporting 20 secondary schools with digital infrastructure and issuing school-branded .ng domains, an effort to promote e-learning, local web presence, and early digital literacy among Nigerian youth.

Reinforcing Digital Sovereignty and Local Internet Infrastructure

Beyond celebration and awards, NiRA’s 20th anniversary comes at a time when local content, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty are critical national conversation points.

The .ng domain once just a technical necessity now stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s assertion of its place in the global online economy.

Analysts say broad adoption of .ng domains contributes to strengthening national internet infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign registries, and keeping digital economic value within Nigeria.

Looking ahead, NiRA says the next decade will focus on scaling .ng adoption across government agencies, startups, creative industries, education, and enterprises, framing .ng as Nigeria’s trusted digital home.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Digital Economy from Techeconomy’s Lens

For stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital economy, tech entrepreneurs, content creators, SMEs, and innovators, NiRA’s two-decade milestone and expanding .ng ecosystem offer several tangible opportunities:

• Digital Identity & Credibility: Operating under a .ng domain signals Nigerian identity and credibility to local and global audiences.
• Local Content Growth: More .ng adoption means more Nigerian content online — from e-commerce to blogs, fintech to edtech , boosting Nigeria’s digital footprint.
• Economic Value Retention: Local domain registration ensures that revenues and value generated online remain within Nigeria, supporting reinvestment in local tech infrastructure.
• Youth & SME Empowerment: With digital-literacy drives and school-based initiatives, young Nigerians and small businesses gain easier access to online tools, presence, and global visibility.
• Digital Sovereignty: Greater local control over domains and internet infrastructure strengthens national autonomy and cybersecurity resilience.

As NiRA ushers in its third decade, the 20-year milestone, and the 8th .ng Awards, is more than a celebration. It’s a renewed commitment to build a digital Nigeria defined by local identity, inclusive opportunity, and sustainable growth.

For a fast-evolving digital economy, that may be exactly the foundation the country needs.