As part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive adoption of the .ng domain across the northern region, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) conducted a series of live radio engagements in Kano State. Over three days, the .ng team took to the airwaves, engaging directly with the people of Kano through conversations that highlighted the opportunities, responsibilities, and benefits of owning a .ng domain.
Taking the .ng Message to Freedom Radio Nigeria
We started our radio engagement with a live appearance on Freedom Radio Nigeria, where the CEO of Yahmis Nigeria (@yahmisng) engaged the Kano audience in Hausa, sensitizing and raising awareness about the importance of the .ng domain.
He emphasized how NiRA, as the country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) registry for Nigeria, plays a critical role as the umbrella body for the nation’s internet space. NiRA ensures that the .ng domain remains accessible, inclusive, and the most effective way to connect with Africa’s largest economy online.
The discussion also highlighted the .ng Academy, a CSR initiative by NiRA and a learning platform that promotes a sustainable digital economy by providing Nigerians with the right set of skills in a digital space.
Representing NiRA on Freedom Radio Nigeria was also Olumide Coker, the Dean of the .ng Academy, who elaborated on the Cybersecurity Pre-Conference Workshop hosted by NiRA during the Nigeria Computer Society’s ConNovate 2025 conference. He explained how this initiative ties into NiRA’s broader mandate of building capacity and strengthening Nigeria’s digital space.
Why Cybersecurity Matters in Nigeria’s Digital Ecosystem
Coker noted that “we can’t talk about the internet without mentioning cybersecurity.” In today’s digital world, online security is no longer optional; it is critical for individuals, organizations, and governments. Globally, institutions are investing millions to stay ahead of cyber threats, and Nigeria is no exception.
Recent statistics show that organizations in Nigeria face an average of 3,759 cyberattacks every week, a rate that surpasses the global average. With such alarming figures, NiRA continues to stress the importance of every stakeholder taking responsibility for online safety while also highlighting the measures put in place to make the .ng domain secure, that is, the WHOIS Privacy Redaction and ongoing implementation of DNSSEC.
Leveraging Media as a Tool for Awareness
Another highlight of the conversation was NiRA’s Media College initiative, which focuses on equipping media practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to drive broader awareness, engagement, and brand advocacy for the .ng domain. As Mr. Coker explained, the media remains one of the most powerful tools in shaping perception and encouraging adoption across diverse audiences.
Bringing the .ng Conversation to Wazobia FM Kano
The awareness campaign was also on Wazobia FM Kano, where NiRA’s own Shehu Mohammed connected with listeners in Pidgin English. Known for his relatable style, Shehu held the audience’s attention, showing that conversations about the internet and digital identity don’t always have to be technical; they can be engaging, fun, and accessible to everyone.
The segment wasn’t without a touch of humor, as NiRA’s Bimbo Aderibigbe joined in, delivering her version of “ajebo pidgin”, much to the delight of listeners. This balance of serious conversation and relatable communication underscored NiRA’s belief that digital literacy and awareness must meet people where they are, in language, style, and accessibility.
Looking Ahead
NiRA’s radio activities in Kano represent more than outreach; they symbolize our commitment to creating a responsive, connected, and collaborative internet ecosystem that drives the adoption of the .ng domain across all regions of Nigeria.
From sensitizing local audiences in Hausa and Pidgin to emphasizing cybersecurity, media empowerment, and digital education, these engagements highlight how .ng is not just a domain name but a digital identity and a trusted gateway to Nigeria’s online future.
Stay tuned for more stories as we continue our journey across the North, engaging registrars, partners, and everyday Nigerians to drive the adoption of .ng, Nigeria’s unique digital identity.
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