The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), manager of the .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), has highlighted that October was a month of aggressive strides toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity and technical capacity.
According to a recent message from President Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, NIRA’s key achievements include NiRA’s active participation in global internet governance forums, the successful conclusion of a major industry conference, and a strategic new educational partnership with Cisco.
NiRA reinforced Nigeria’s position in the global digital community by participating in ICANN 84 in Dublin. At the ccTLD News Session, the .ng Registry presented several modernizations aimed at enhancing efficiency and adherence to global best practices:
- Automation of Registrar Accreditation: A move to streamline the process for new registrars, improving transparency and speed.
- Tech Convergence Platform: A continuous effort to drive the nationwide adoption of digital identity through local systems.
- .ng Academy Learning Management System (LMS) Launch: An initiative designed to build digital capacity and skills across the nation.
These innovations, according to the President, demonstrate a clear commitment to efficiency, transparency, and global standards.
Tech Convergence 2.0 Hailed as a Success
The association successfully hosted Tech Convergence 2.0 in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Mr. Akinsanya praised the event as a “resounding success,” emphasizing the productive conversations held on crucial topics, including:
- Digital Identity
- Policy Alignment
- National Infrastructure
- Capacity Building
The conference reflected a “collective will to strengthen Nigeria’s digital transformation.”
Cisco Partnership to Democratize Digital Skills
In a major development for skills empowerment, NiRA announced a new partnership between the .ng Academy and Cisco. This collaboration is designed to deliver practical, career-focused courses aimed at supporting workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and the broader digital economy.
- Learners currently have access to over fifteen free courses on the Academy platform through December 2025.
- The partnership will subsequently roll out advanced certification tracks.
The initiative directly aligns with NiRA’s mission to democratize digital skills and empower Nigerians through scalable, high-quality education.
Celebrating 20 Years and the 8th .ng Awards
This year marks 20 years of NiRA, a significant milestone reflecting two decades of “stewardship, resilience, and evolution.” This anniversary will be celebrated with a special unveiling during the upcoming 8th .ng Awards Night.
The 8th .ng Awards also commenced voting this month, featuring 88 nominees across 19 categories. Voting remains open until November 19th, 2025, ahead of the Awards Night on December 2nd, 2025. The annual event recognizes individuals and organizations that leverage the .ng domain to strengthen Nigeria’s online ecosystem, serving as a reminder of the strategic importance of the country’s national digital identity.
Mr. Akinsanya affirmed NiRA’s unwavering mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity, enhance online trust, and support the nation’s digital transformation through the continued management and promotion of the .ng domain.