The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is set to reposition the .ng domain as a foundational element of Nigeria’s digital growth. According to NiRA President Adesola Akinsanya, this strategic initiative will be built on three key pillars: Policy Alignment, Ecosystem Expansion, and Capacity Building.
During a recent webinar, Akinsanya emphasized that the .ng domain is more than just a domain extension; it is a critical piece of infrastructure for the nation’s digital transformation. The new roadmap aims to address the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of .ng and solidify it as a symbol of national identity online.
The three strategic pillars of the plan include:
- Policy Alignment & Institutional Partnerships: NiRA will work with government agencies and regulators to ensure the .ng domain is central to Nigeria’s digital goals. This collaboration aims to create a cohesive and supportive policy environment.
- Ecosystem Expansion & Awareness: The association plans to increase the visibility and accessibility of the .ng domain to both Nigerian citizens and businesses. The goal is to make the domain easily understood and widely adopted.
- Capacity Building & Local Hosting: This pillar focuses on promoting data localization and skill development. By encouraging local hosting, NiRA aims to foster resilience, innovation, and data ownership within Nigeria’s digital space.
NiRA’s efforts extend beyond policy, with initiatives like the .ng Academy providing technical skills and entrepreneurial training. The “Nigeria First in the Digital Age: Why .ng Matters” webinar series serves as a national call to action, highlighting the domain’s evolving relevance. Akinsanya acknowledged the importance of collaborative partnerships, citing the presence of industry figures like Dr. Tope Fasua and Mr. Muhammed Rudman at the webinar.
In a continued spirit of partnership, NiRA will participate in the upcoming Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Conference, ConNovate 2025, in Kano. The association plans to engage in panel discussions and host a dedicated workshop on the future of the .ng domain. This participation underscores NiRA’s commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity and push the boundaries of its online ecosystem.