E-Business
NiRA to Discuss .ng Domain Name Relevance to Internet Governance
The Nigeria internet Registration Association (NiRA) has identified that who manages the Internet and how the Internet is governed as constantly discussed in the domain name system (DNS) requires optimum attention.
According to Mr. Sunday Folayan, president of NiRA, in an e-newsletter titled “Our August Outlook”, the Internet Society highlights how Internet governance remains critical to economic and social opportunities.
He said, therefore, the Nigeria internet Registration Association (NiRA) has lined up events that will educate people on Internet Governance and will enhance/deepen the knowledge base of the Domain Name System (DNS) Industry and create further awareness of the .ng brand, which is the Nigerian Identity in Cyberspace.
“This has the potential to further reduce the unemployment level in the country and encourage growth of the Nigerian economy,” Folayan said.
The NiRA President said, the Body will in this month of August 2015, conduct a Registrar’s Technical Training, for new and existing accredited registrars.
“This launches the NiRA Academy for DNS Technical Training programmes and plans. The Academy will provide face to face and online training programmes. As part of the training, we will create access to CoCCA (Council of Country Code Administrators) training platform (Registry solution in use by most Registries in the world) for all interested Registrars.
He said that NiRA will also conduct technical training and policy enlightenment to newly Accredited Registrars. The dates for the trainings would be communicated in due time.
Note that the Registrar’s Accreditation Technical Training is open also to all existing Accredited Registrars who desire to be abreast with current happenings of the Domain Name Industry.
According to him, there will be discussions on NiRA Policies which govern the DNS activities for the .ng ccTLD.
The NiRA Academy, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek learnt, aims to educate on Internet Governance; bridge the gap in the knowledge base of the DNS Industry in Nigeria by developing the DNS Industry in Nigeria and to grow local DNS entrepreneurs, develop capacity in other DNS related specialization such as Website design and development, Cybersecurity, Networking, etc.
It will also breed certification based relationships with third parties like NITDA, NCC, ICANN, CPN; create opportunities for our youth to build and develop their own businesses and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy and use the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation, the arm of NiRA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), to reach out to the wider public.
After the training in August and subsequent trainings, “we expect our registrars to further create awareness through their resellers and further increase the number of domain names (Nigerian Internet domain names) in the year 2015,” he said.
Folayan also disclosed other matters NiRA sets to tackle.
He said, “During our annual statutory visit to National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), our supervising Agency, the NiRA Executive Board of Directors had outlined some of our plans to use the NiRA CSR vehicle to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy and we intend to fulfil our promises”.
He also ceased the opportunity, on behalf of NiRA Executive Board of Directors, to congratulate the newly elected Executives of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), led by Professor Ganiyu Adesola Aderounmu, who emerged as the President NCS at the just concluded Annual General Meeting at Akure, held on the 24th July 2015.
“We wish the new executives a successful tenor in the office,” Sunday Folayan, president of NiRA said.
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) presents its report on .ng domain name registration and renewal statistics for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the continued expansion of Nigeria’s digital footprint. The data underscores a consistent and significant adoption of the nation’s Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), reinforcing its pivotal role in the burgeoning Nigerian digital economy.
During the period spanning January to March 2025, a total of 40,791 .ng domain names were recorded. This figure comprises 22,236 new registrations and 18,555 renewals, indicating a healthy balance between the acquisition of new digital identities and the sustained commitment of existing domain name holders to their online presence.
Analysis of the registration trends within the quarter reveals a notable upward trajectory, with a 13.92% increase in domain name registrations observed between February and March 2025.
This growth signifies an increasing recognition of the importance of a localized online identity by a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals, startups, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and larger organizations.
Notably, the .com.ng extension continues to be the dominant choice, accounting for over 60% of both new registrations and renewals. This reaffirms its status as the preferred domain name extension for Nigerian businesses seeking to establish a credible and locally relevant online brand presence while maintaining global accessibility. The sustained popularity of .com.ng underscores its perceived value among Nigerian entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking to secure their digital real estate.
This upward trajectory isn’t happening by chance. The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has remained intentional in its drive for digital inclusion and domain adoption. Through public education, training via the .ng Academy, outreach campaigns, and partnerships with stakeholders across the tech ecosystem, NiRA has consistently advocated for the importance of owning a local domain. The current standing of .ng as the second most registered ccTLD in Africa reflects the efficacy of these efforts.
Digital adoption in Nigeria is no longer just about being online—it’s about owning your digital identity. And with a .ng domain, Nigerians are better positioned to assert that identity, connect with local and international audiences, and gain better control over their digital footprints.
As we look toward the rest of 2025, the Q1 results serve as a strong signal: more people are embracing the digital future, and the .ng domain is increasingly becoming their first step.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria has launched a new digital identity verification tool called the NIN Authentication (NINAuth) application.
The initiative, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to strengthen the country’s national digital identity management framework.
The launch builds upon Nigeria’s comprehensive unified digital identity system that has been transforming access to financial services and government programs.
The NINAuth application introduces several key features focused on data security and privacy.
The platform requires explicit user consent before sharing identity information for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, giving individuals greater control over their personal data.
The system provides seamless access to various government services, including SIM card registration, immigration applications, passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions.
The development follows significant investment in Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, including a $45.5 million support from the World Bank as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
As the official service for integration with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, NINAuth enables secure verification processes across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store for users of the National Identification Number (NIN).
The rollout represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to digitize government services and strengthen identity verification processes.
“NINAuth is a cutting-edge suite of services including web, API, and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.
“The platform introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”
The implementation supports the objectives of the recently established Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, which oversees the country’s digital identity initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of the NINAuth app and directed its use for verification and authentication across all MDAs.
The application provides a secure single sign-on solution for accessing government services and social protection programs while maintaining strict data privacy controls.
The centralized approach to digital identity management represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to modernizing government services.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has set in motion a machinery to checkmate the booming copyright piracy market in the country.
Copyright piracy is said to cost Nigeria an annual loss estimated at billions of naira.
Despite the absence of a coordinated or official statistics to gauge the quantum of loss, John Asein, director general, NCC, said as far back as 2019, Nigeria lost N918 trillion ($3 billion) annually to digital piracy.
The financial damages severely impact local businesses and innovation efforts.
The commission, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has started a project to develop strategies and tools to address the menace.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the WIPO project to address online copyright piracy in Nigeria, Asein said digital technologies have unlocked tremendous opportunities for the creative and innovation sectors.
The NCC boss said technology also poses serious challenges, including online piracy, which he said is growing rapidly.
He said: “Pirate sites continue to emerge rapidly, with statistics indicating a 6.7 per cent increase in user visits. A significant percentage of these users are students aged between 18 and 24, with social media and messaging platforms becoming major gateways for accessing pirated content.”
He added: “No industry is immune. The most affected sectors include television (43.6 per cent), publishing (27.5 per cent), film (12.9 per cent), music (7.0 per cent), and software (6.2 per cent).
“Far beyond mere statistics, the victims are no longer only foreign right owners. Many Nigerians in these sectors have also been bruised and their creative enterprises ruined.”
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