Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed NiRA Members,
It is with great honour and profound appreciation that I welcome you all to this significant occasion—the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA). Whether joining us in person or virtually, your presence reaffirms the collective commitment to the growth and advancement of the .ng domain name and the broader digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
On behalf of the Executive Board of Directors, I extend my sincere gratitude for your continued dedication and unwavering support. It is a privilege to address you today as we reflect on our accomplishments in the past year and chart a course for the future.
2024: A Year of Progress and Innovation
The year 2024 has been a landmark period for NiRA, marked by significant progress, strategic initiatives, and groundbreaking innovations. We have embraced fresh ideas, fostered collaborations, and intensified efforts towards the security enhancement and aggressive marketing of the .ng domain name strings. These measures have significantly contributed to the increased adoption and visibility of the .ng brand.
The Executive Board has remained steadfast in refining and implementing processes that align with NiRA’s strategic objectives. Through targeted industry collaborations and meaningful partnerships, we have strengthened our position as a key player in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
Review of 2024 Achievements
The past year witnessed remarkable achievements across various domains, including:
- Domain Name Growth: NiRA recorded a total of 94,723 new domain registrations, 61,227 domain renewals, culminating in a total of 212,890 domain names under management by the end of 2024.
- Accreditation of Registrars: The accreditation of 23 new registrars reflects the concerted efforts of NiRA Accredited Registrars and their resellers in expanding domain name adoption.
- Financial Performance: NiRA generated a total income of NGN _______________, representing a ______% increase compared to NGN 348,057,704 recorded in 2023. Operational expenditure (OpEx) stood at NGN ______________, leading to a surplus of NGN ______________ for the fiscal year 2024.
While we acknowledge these successes, we recognize that more work remains to be done in increasing the uptake of the .ng domain strings, and we remain committed to this endeavour.
Enhancing Domain Security: DNSSEC Implementation
A critical milestone in 2024 was our focused effort on implementing DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC). This initiative is pivotal in ensuring the integrity and security of the .ng domain, shielding users from potential cyber threats. NiRA has made significant strides in integrating DNSSEC and continues to collaborate with both local and international stakeholders to fortify our cybersecurity framework.
Strengthening Strategic Collaborations
NiRA has actively pursued partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s digital landscape. Notably:
- Engagement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): We had the privilege of engaging with the EFCC at its headquarters in Abuja to deepen cooperation on securing Nigeria’s digital space. The discussions, led by myself, focused on reinforcing joint initiatives aimed at curbing cyber threats. Our existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EFCC includes training law enforcement agencies on:
- Cybersecurity Threats & Attacks: Equipping officers with the necessary expertise to mitigate cyber risks.
- Domain Name Business Operations: Enhancing law enforcement’s understanding of domain-related cyber issues.
- Partnerships with Global Registries: NiRA has actively engaged in knowledge exchange programs with international registries, facilitating the adoption of best practices and the exploration of emerging trends in domain name management.
Other Key Activities in 2024
- Engagement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC): NiRA held high-level discussions with the NDPC, led by our delegation, to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection and privacy framework. Our engagement with the NDPC underscores our commitment to ensuring the security and resilience of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
- Marketing and Awareness Campaigns: NiRA launched an aggressive marketing campaign to promote the .ng brand, leveraging both online and offline channels. Working alongside our Accredited Registrars, we sought to boost annual domain registrations and renewals through various communication platforms, including e-newsletters and social media.
- Registrar Incentive Programme: In Q3 2024, NiRA introduced an incentive program designed to reward and recognize the outstanding efforts of Accredited Registrars in driving .ng domain registrations. This initiative aims to spur further adoption and strengthen the .ng domain’s market position.
- Tech Convergence 1.0: This flagship event brought together industry experts to explore the intersection of technology and creativity in shaping Nigeria’s digital future. Discussions centered on the pivotal role of DNS innovations in digital content accessibility and security.
- .ng Awards 2024: The 7th edition of the prestigious .ng Awards was held on November 29, 2024, recognizing 19 outstanding organizations and 16 distinguished individuals for their contributions to the growth and adoption of the .ng domain.
- The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) Impact: NiRA remains deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the NKF and .ng Academy. In 2024, NKF continued to drive initiatives that promote digital literacy, youth empowerment, and improved access to technology.
Acknowledgment of Departing Board Members
I take this moment to extend our deepest appreciation to the outgoing Board Members for their dedicated service to NiRA. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping our association, and your legacy will remain a guiding force in our continued journey. We are immensely grateful for your time, expertise, and unwavering commitment.
The Road Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
As we look forward to 2025, NiRA is committed to advancing several key initiatives, including:
- Strengthening the .ng Brand: Enhancing local and international recognition of .ng as a premier digital asset for businesses and individuals.
- Cybersecurity Advocacy: Intensifying efforts to promote a safer digital environment through increased DNS security measures.
- Expanding Stakeholder Engagement: Deepening collaborations with government agencies, private sector players, and global internet governance bodies.
- Increasing .ng Domain Adoption: Implementing targeted campaigns to drive wider adoption across businesses, startups, and the general public.
Appreciation and Closing Remarks
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all NiRA members, stakeholders, and Accredited Registrars for your steadfast support. Special appreciation goes to the NiRA Board of Trustees and Board of Directors for their invaluable guidance and collaboration. I also wish to acknowledge the esteemed members of the press for their unwavering support in promoting NiRA’s mission.
Most importantly, I extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated staff of NiRA. Your hard work and commitment form the foundation of our success.
As we continue this journey together, may the Almighty bless and guide us all. Thank you, and I wish you a productive and successful AGM.
Mr. Adesola Akinsanya
President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)