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.

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Ugwuanyi explained the importance of understanding Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) to appreciate the role that these infrastructures play in the tech space.

He stated: “Before we look at the role of IXPN to the ecosystem, I think it’s prudent for us to very briefly look at what an Internet Exchange Point is. Let’s imagine a region, say Lagos, and in this particular region, there’s just one service provider.”

This background, he explained, is essential for understanding the nuances of network communications.

The Function of IXPs in the DNS Industry

Still speaking at the Tech Convergence 1.0, Ugwuanyi delved into the technical details of how IXPs work, noting how they impact the efficiency of DNS operations.

The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, for example, connects over 128 networks, and its average traffic reaches over 800 Gbps. 

IXPN operates in all major data centres across Nigeria, including ICNL, Digital Realty, Rack Centre, MDXi, Cloud Exchange, ADC, and OADC. Added to this, IXPN has points of presence in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Delta.

“The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, before we delve into the roles it plays, connects over 128 networks, with average traffic exceeding 800 Gbps. We are present in all of the major data centres in Lagos, including ICNL Digital, formerly medallion, Rack Centre, MDXI, Cloud Exchange, ADC, and OADC. We also have other points of presence in Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Delta.”

Ugwuanyi explained the important role that IXPs play in reducing latency in network communications, which is essential for the efficient functioning of the DNS infrastructure. He illustrated this by comparing the latency between networks connected to IXPN and those that rely on submarine cables.

“For connection to IXPN, all these networks can reach each other at less than one millisecond. The average time to reach these DNS servers is less than one millisecond, as opposed to going through submarine cables, which takes no less than 90 to 100 milliseconds.”

This improvement in speed ascertains the effectiveness of IXPs in reducing latency, which is essential for faster, more reliable internet access, especially for DNS resolutions.

The Economic Benefits of IXPs

Ugwuanyi also emphasised the economic advantages of using IXPs. He explained that on average, most ISPs exchange 50-60% of their traffic at IXPN. This has a significant impact on cost savings for service providers.

“On average, most of the members exchange 50 to 60% of their traffic at IXPN. What this means is that 50-60% of a typical ISP’s traffic goes through the exchange point.”

He used Lagos as an example to highlight the difference in cost between using IXPN for local traffic versus using international transit. 

For instance, a one Gbps connection at IXPN costs around N200,000, while the cost for a similar connection using international transit is much higher, often around N1.2 million after negotiation. The cost difference is obvious, and it shows the economic benefits of localising traffic.

“If you look at the cost of a one Gbps transit, you’re looking at N1.2 million if you negotiate very well. The cost of the same one Mbps connection to IXPN is N200,000, which is a significant saving for providers.”

Outside Lagos, the cost of international transit increases drastically, which further stresses the economic advantage of using IXPs.

“One of our members in Ibadan told me that one Gbps transit connection costs almost N4 million there. So you can see how the reduction in cost of operation is quite significant.”

Enhancing Security and Compliance

Another key aspect of IXPs is their role in enhancing the security and compliance of internet traffic. By localising internet traffic, IXPs reduce the number of intermediaries involved in data transmission, thereby decreasing the exposure to potential attacks. Ugwuanyi explained:

“If the traffic is local, there are fewer players who can intercept and attack the traffic. It also reduces the exposure to attacks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), which is a significant threat when traffic passes through multiple providers and hubs.”

He also discussed how IXPs help with data localisation and compliance with regional regulations. In Nigeria, some laws prevent operators from storing user data outside the country, and IXPs help ensure compliance with such data localisation laws.

“Nigeria has some data localisation laws and policies. For example, operators are prevented from keeping their user data outside Nigeria. An IXP would facilitate and make it possible for players to comply with these regulations.”

Ugwuanyi stressed the importance of IXPs in the tech space, in terms of improving network performance and also reducing costs and enhancing security.

He noted that IXPs help in improving the efficiency, affordability, and security of internet services, making them an essential part of the technological infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.

“The reduction in cost of operation and improved network performance provided by IXPs is precise. In Lagos, for example, the difference between using IXPN and international transit is very noticeable. The role of IXPs in improving connectivity and reducing costs is undeniable.”

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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.

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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.

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The groundbreaking 2-day event, set to take place on November 28-29 at Muson Center, Lagos, is poised to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts to discuss critical trends shaping the digital landscape.

The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, will lead esteemed speaker to the Tech Convergence 1.0 with the theme: “Innovating Nigeria’s Digital Future through Tech and Creativity”.

Tech Convergence 1.0 aims to explore innovative solutions, foster partnerships, and propel Nigeria’s digital economy to greater heights and NiRA has curated a stellar lineup of speakers, including:

• Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani as Distinguished Special Guest.
• The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as the keynote speaker.
• Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as Special Guest.
• Commissioner Innovation, Science & Technology Lagos State, Olatubosun Alake
• Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited
• The MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Hon. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata
• Tinuade Oguntuyi, the head of Network and Solutions, Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL).
• The Director-General, Yobe State Information Technology Development Agency (YITDA), Mohammed Adam.

Other confirmed speakers for Tech Convergence 1.0 include; Chief Operating Officer, GO54, Omotola Olaseni; Ahmad Mukoshy, CEO of Gigilayer, Ebenezer Dare, CEO, Hostlag; Peter Oluka, editor of Techeconomy; Chisom, software engineer and digital creator; Babatunde Fatai, Manager, Emerging Technologies at MTN Nigeria; Tomi Ogunlesi, a global marketing & communications leader; Judith Okonkwo, the CEO of IMISI 3D; Eric Gugua, a digital creator and edutech enthusiast; Moyo Sodipo, COO Busha; Joshua Chibueze co-founder of Piggyvest, Douglas Kendyson, CEO Selar, Destiny Amana, MD/CEO ICECOOL Contracts Limited, amongst other speakers.

These renowned experts will delve into pivotal discussions around Effective Techniques for Building Community and Driving Engagement for Creators, Web Developers, and Webmasters; Leveraging the .ng Domain for the evolving digital content space; Emerging Trends in the Creative Space and the Future of Digital Content; DNS industry, amongst other topics planned for masterclasses, fireside chats, etc.

Similarly, NiRA is set to host the highly anticipated 7th .NG Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, and organizations that have contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s online ecosystem.

This year’s award ceremony, scheduled for November 29th, will climax the Tech Convergence 1.0 and spotlight the innovation, creativity, and resilience of stakeholders who have leveraged the .ng domain to promote local content, empower businesses, and foster a thriving digital economy.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, the president of NiRA, stated:

“Tech Convergence 1.0 is more than just a conference; it’s a platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and envisioning a connected future. The insights from our speakers will undoubtedly inspire participants to explore new frontiers and embrace digital transformation in their respective fields.”

According to Mr. Akinsanya, the event will feature interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend for stakeholders in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

He further said, the highly anticipated .NG Awards, now in the 7^th edition, has become a hallmark of excellence, recognizing efforts across various categories, including Best Local Hosting Company, Best eCommerce Platform, and Most Innovative Start-Up.

“The awards reflect NiRA’s commitment to promoting the adoption of the .ng domain and supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation”, Akinsanya added.

Also speaking, Engineer Frank Ogochukwu, the chairman, Local Organising Committee, Tech Convergence 1.0 is open to businesses, developers, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts to join hands with NiRA to build a robust and thriving DNS industry in Nigeria.

Registration Details:

Participation at Tech Convergence 1.0 is free, but you are required to pre-register using the link while the 7^th .NG Awards is strictly on invitation.

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