The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) recently collaborated with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for the 10th Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication (ICTEL) EXPO 2024, held from July 30th to 31st 2024. This strategic partnership aimed to advance the Nigerian internet ecosystem by promoting the adoption of the .ng domain and highlighting its significance in the digital landscape.
The ICTEL EXPO, an event committed to contributing to digital innovation and technology, provided a platform for NiRA to emphasise the role of the .ng domain in driving Nigeria’s digital economy. The expo brought together key stakeholders, including businesses, tech professionals, and policymakers, to discuss the benefits and opportunities associated with the .ng domain.
On the first day of the expo, the NiRA’s President; Mr. Adesola Akinsanya delivered a keynote address that underscored the importance of the .ng domain in Nigeria’s digital growth. He highlighted how the .ng domain supports local hosting services, enhances data security, and contributes to economic development. The President urged businesses and individuals to embrace the .ng domain, stressing that online presence is crucial for national progress and digital innovation.
The ICTEL Expo 2024 began with an exhibition tour led by Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of LCCI, and Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, Deputy President. This tour allowed tour members to visit the exhibition booth of the .ng team as the event was kicked off. It also allowed attendees to see firsthand how the .ng domain supports local businesses and drives technological advancement.
Day 2 at the Expo featured a product demo session facilitated by NiRA’s Registrar Relationship Manager; Ms. Abimbola Aderibigbe. During this session, participants learned how to register a .ng domain name and set up their website through the accredited registrar platform using https://register.ng. Attendees were introduced to the .ng domain dashboard, which tracks the growth of .ng domains across various extensions and provides valuable insights into domain performance.
In addition to these activities, NiRA participated in a key “Cybersecurity in the Digital Age” session with Mrs. Busayo Balogun representing NiRA on the panel. The discussion focused on cybersecurity best practices, including essential measures like security audits to protect online activities. This session was crucial for raising awareness about the growing complexity of cyber-attacks, insider threats from employees with access to sensitive data, data privacy concerns, and navigating the intricate landscape of cybersecurity regulations and compliance. This demonstrates that everyone—stakeholders, employers, employees, and end-users—has a role to play in reducing cyberattacks. It is crucial to drive awareness about cybersecurity and implement solutions that can check attacks such as deploying advanced threat detection systems, conducting regular security audits, and running ongoing training and awareness programs.
NiRA’s involvement in the ICTEL EXPO is part of a broader effort to further the adoption of the .ng domain among its members. By collaborating with LCCI, NiRA is playing a strategic role in sensitising members about the benefits of the .ng domain and encouraging its widespread use. This partnership aims to foster a more robust digital environment, where local businesses can thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy on the .ng domain.
Throughout the expo, NiRA’s accredited registrars were available to assist attendees with .ng domain registration and provide expert guidance. Their support ensured that participants could make the most of the opportunities offered at the event.
The 10th ICTEL EXPO was a significant milestone in promoting the .ng domain and reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s digital future. For those interested in exploring more about the sessions and insights shared at the event, including cybersecurity tips from Mrs. Balogun, additional resources and recordings are available for viewing.
