In today’s digital age, it is crucial for businesses to establish an online presence to stay ahead of the competition. According to recent statistics, Nigeria had 150 million active internet users in 2022. Furthermore, the number of broadband internet users was estimated to be 83.94 million, with projections showing an increase to 117.83 million users by 2027.
These figures are a clear indication that the online marketplace in Nigeria is growing. Considering the above, we can expect to see a corresponding uptick in the number of online businesses and domain registrations to represent these brands.
The .ng is the country-code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria on the internet and is managed by NiRA. NiRA is the Registry for the .ng domain and maintains the database of names registered under the .ng extension. The .ng domain name extension identifies websites for businesses that target the Nigerian market. It is worth noting that despite being a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria, owning a .ng domain is not restricted to only Nigerian entities. Indeed, anyone worldwide can own a .ng domain, as long as the Nigerian market is their target audience. In this regard, opting for a .ng domain is an excellent choice for local businesses targeting the Nigerian market.
When launching a website, entrepreneurs understand the importance of selecting the right domain. One question that often arises is whether to choose a generic .com domain or a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) such as .ng. With the .ng domain, you can build credibility and trust with your target audience, as it signifies that your business is Nigerian and operates within the country.
To clarify, let’s address some common myths about the use of the .ng domain.
Myth 1 Local domains do not have a global reach
The common misconception is that using the .ng domain will hinder a business’s global reach. However, with the effective use of geo-signals and choosing from second-level ccTLD domain names such as .com.ng or .org.ng it is possible to reach an international audience. This indicates that a business serves both the Nigerian and international markets, thereby enhancing its global presence.
Myth 2 Low SEO ranking for local domains
Obtaining a geo-specific domain such as the .ng can help you rank higher in Google’s local search results. Using the .ng domain will help enhance a business’s ranking for local search engine optimization (SEO) searches, as Google will recognise that the business is targeting a specific region which makes it ideal for businesses that target the local market.
Myth 3 The .ng domains are more expensive than other top-level domains.
The .ng domain is a cost-effective TLD and ccTLD. Last year, we gave a 50% discount for the .ng domain, so you can register a .com.ng domain for as low as #1000. This affordable price makes it easy for businesses to start off online.
Myth 4 Registering a .ng domain is tasking
The process of registering for the .ng domain is simple and seamless and can be done at www.register.ng. Our aim is to make the process easy for users by ensuring that customers use accredited registrars, which facilitates a smooth registration process. These registrars also provide web hosting services, that make it easy for businesses to get online quickly. The required documents for registration help us authenticate and verify the business’s credibility, building trust and credibility with customers.
Myth 5 The .ng domain is owned by the Nigerian government
It is important to note that .ng is not owned or operated by the Nigerian government. Instead, it is managed by NiRA,- a not-for-profit, non-governmental self-regulatory body with the aim of improving the internet and digital landscape. As a public-private organization, it allows for the contribution of both sectors in driving the vision of the organization.