The key to achieving a thriving digital ecosystem lies in conversations that focus on how digital identity drives transformation for Nigeria’s digital future. NiRA’s activities for the summit took off with the president delivering a goodwill message on digital identity and digital sovereignty and the pivotal role it plays in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
The NiRA team present at the event, led by the president, included Mrs. Tobi Onwuka, Ms. Oluwatoni Peter, and Mr. Emmanuel Olu-Festus. Also in attendance were NiRA’s accredited registrars, including Webguru, Hostlag, and QServers, who engaged participants on the benefits of the .ng domain and how to secure it.
The exhibition tour for the event kicked off with the president leading Hon. Commissioner Olatunbosun Alake and Prof. Justin Beshel, Commissioner for Digital Economy from Cross River State, to the NiRA booth. There, the president spoke about the critical role of the .ng domain in strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity and fuelling digital growth.
In his address, the president highlighted .ng as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital future. He explained how the .ng empowers digital sovereignty by ensuring that Nigeria’s data, digital assets, and online identities remain under Nigerian control. He also emphasized that the .ng domain connects brands to Nigeria, the largest market in Africa, while providing them with a unique identity that is both locally relevant and globally visible. Businesses using .ng, he added, also benefit from local SEO advantages that enhance visibility and competitiveness online.
Speaking directly to government stakeholders, he emphasized that the failure to adopt .ng carries risks, as it often results in sensitive data being hosted outside the country. This, he noted, compromises safety and undermines Nigeria’s national brand. He cautioned that government platforms and services must reflect the country’s digital identity by using the .ng domain.
The president further introduced delegates to NiRA’s accredited registrars present at the booth, explaining NiRA’s structure and how it enables Nigerians to secure .ng domains, making them active participants in the country’s digital transformation story.
At the summit, NiRA’s presence underscored its role in supporting and driving cohesive efforts to build the Nigerian digital ecosystem across private and public sectors. The .ng domain is not just technical infrastructure; it is a strategic tool for building trust, driving innovation, and achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leader in the digital economy. Mr. Emmanuel Olu-Festus, on a panel session, further highlighted the importance of building trust in digital governance, noting it as an urgent priority for bridging gaps and enabling true digital transformation.