Nigeria’s Digital Sovereignty Strategy: The Role of .ng Domains
Oluwaseyi Onasanya, Chief Operating Officer of the National Internet Registry Authority (NiRA), recently outlined a comprehensive framework aimed at boosting the adoption and significance of the .ng domain in Nigeria. Her presentation took place during a Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Workshop held on April 16. The initiative highlights the importance of digital sovereignty and the role of local domains in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
Onasanya emphasized that the .ng domain is more than just a web address—it represents a critical component of Nigeria’s digital identity. With approximately 65% internet penetration and over 35.6 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributing nearly 48% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the country has a strong foundation for leveraging digital infrastructure.
The framework includes five key pathways designed to increase the use and value of .ng domains:
Mandating .ng Domains for Government Institutions: This pathway calls for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as subnational entities, government vendors, and tax remitters, to adopt .ng domains. This would ensure that all official digital communications with government institutions are conducted through .ng platforms. Additionally, domain usage will be linked to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration and procurement processes, reinforcing accountability and transparency.
National Awareness Campaign: A nationwide campaign titled “Own Your .ng, Own Your Future” aims to promote the .ng domain as a symbol of national identity, trust, and economic value. The campaign seeks to educate citizens and businesses about the benefits of using locally registered domains.
Private Sector Leadership: Onasanya urged banks, telecommunications companies, startups, and SMEs to adopt .ng domains and integrate them into their onboarding processes. By doing so, these entities can contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy and enhance their own brand credibility.
Securing .ng as a Trusted Alternative: The fourth strategy focuses on positioning .ng as a secure and regulated alternative to foreign domains. This move is expected to improve consumer confidence, enhance local search visibility, and strengthen jurisdictional control over digital assets.
Expanding the Digital Ecosystem: The final pathway involves expanding the digital ecosystem by strengthening registrar networks, simplifying user experience, and integrating .ng domains into internet service providers, digital platforms, and national performance metrics. This approach aims to make .ng domains more accessible and valuable to a broader audience.
Onasanya warned that Nigeria’s domain adoption rate remains low compared to global peers. Currently, the country has approximately one domain per 855 citizens, far behind countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and China. She cautioned that this low adoption could lead to capital flight, as businesses continue to rely on foreign domain platforms in an increasingly digital global economy.
She also called on the media to play a pivotal role in driving awareness, shaping public perception, and promoting adoption. “Without media, .ng stays technical. With media, it becomes economic,” she said.
NiRA reported that over 240,000 .ng domains have been registered so far, with projections indicating continued growth as Nigeria targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained efforts from both the public and private sectors, as well as the active involvement of the media in promoting the economic value of .ng domains across various sectors.
