As we reflect on the progress of Nigeria’s Domain Name System (DNS) industry, I am proud of how far we have come. The .ng domain continues to solidify its position as Nigeria’s digital identity, serving as a critical enabler of economic growth, innovation, and online presence for businesses and individuals alike.
Promoting Growth and Development of the .ng Domain
The .ng domain remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital identity, and we are proud to rank as the second most registered country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) in Africa, behind only .za. This is a testament to the hard work of our stakeholders and the growing confidence in our local domain name system. However, while this milestone is commendable, we recognize that there is still much work to be done.
NiRA remains committed to fostering a resilient, secure, and accessible DNS ecosystem. Over the past year, we have taken proactive steps to ensure that our DNS infrastructure is robust, secure, and scalable. Through collaborations with key stakeholders such as ICANN, the Coalition for Digital Africa, and various ccTLD registries, we have continued to drive conversations around DNSSEC deployment, IPv6 adoption, and overall DNS security.
However, the Nigerian DNS industry still faces core challenges, including:
🔹 Limited awareness and adoption of the .ng domain – Many businesses still opt for foreign domains, impacting Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and local internet economy.
🔹 Cybersecurity and domain abuse concerns – The misuse of domains for fraudulent activities continues to pose a challenge, requiring increased efforts in compliance and monitoring.
🔹 Regulatory and policy alignment – Ensuring that our policies align with global best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique internet challenges remains an ongoing effort.
Ensuring a Safer Internet for All
As the internet continues to play a pivotal role in our daily lives, we cannot overlook the importance of online safety, particularly for our children. The digital space, while offering immense opportunities, also presents risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to harmful content. NIRA is committed to addressing these challenges head-on.
Through initiatives like the Child Online Safety, Protection and Reporting of Abuse (COSPRA) program, in collaboration with the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation, we have been actively engaging stakeholders to discuss and implement proactive measures for online safety. These discussions have been instrumental in shaping policies and strategies to protect our young ones while empowering them to navigate the digital world responsibly. We will continue to champion these efforts, ensuring that the internet remains a safe and enabling environments for all.
NiRA’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) – A Moment of Reflection & Strategy
As we prepare for NiRA’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), we have an opportunity to assess our progress, address industry challenges, and define the path forward for Nigeria’s DNS ecosystem. The AGM serves as a vital platform for members, partners and other stakeholders to contribute to discussions on policy direction, governance, and strategies to drive domain adoption and internet growth in Nigeria.
I encourage everyone to participate actively and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of the .ng domain and the Nigerian internet community.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, NIRA remains steadfast in its mission to promote the growth and development of the internet in Nigeria. We will continue to advocate for policies that support a vibrant digital economy, invest in infrastructure that enhances the reliability and security of the .ng domain, and collaborate with stakeholders to address emerging challenges.
Together, we can build an internet that is not only accessible and reliable but also safe and inclusive for all Nigerians. Let us continue to work hand in hand to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital space.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to NIRA’s vision.