The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) says the country’s .ng domain name system posted record growth in 2024, even as the domain name manager intensifies efforts to bolster cybersecurity and expand strategic partnerships.
Mr Adesola Akinsanya, President of NiRA, disclosed this while addressing members at the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association. He says the year under review saw landmark progress in domain name registration, registrar accreditation, and the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC).
Akinsanya underscores the pivotal role of NiRA in Nigeria’s digital transformation, highlighting the growth in .ng domain name adoption as a key indicator of the country’s expanding digital footprint.
Akinsanya says a major achievement in 2024 is the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a key initiative aimed at protecting .ng domain users against cyber threats. NiRA collaborates with local and international stakeholders to enhance the security and resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
.ng domain hits new milestone
According to him, NiRA recorded 100,785 new domain name registrations and 67,224 renewals, bringing the total number of domains under management to 229,583 by the end of 2024.
The year also saw the accreditation of 23 new registrars, reflecting continued efforts by NiRA and its partners to drive the uptake of Nigeria’s country code top-level domain.
NiRA also reported a 75% increase in total income, reaching ₦609,954,996 in 2024, compared to ₦348,057,704 in the previous year. Operational expenditure (OpEx) stands at ₦372,561,168, yielding a surplus of ₦237,393,828 for the fiscal year.
Cybersecurity: DNSSEC takes centre stage
Akinsanya says a major achievement in 2024 is the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a key initiative aimed at protecting .ng domain users against cyber threats. NiRA collaborates with local and international stakeholders to enhance the security and resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
NiRA, he says, intensifies strategic partnerships to reinforce cybersecurity and promote domain best practices. The association engages with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to train law enforcement officers on identifying and responding to cyber threats, under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
It also holds high-level talks with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to strengthen the national data protection and privacy framework, according to Akinsanya.
Globally, he adds, NiRA participates in knowledge exchange programmes with international registries to align with emerging trends and adopt best practices.
Aggressive .ng domain promotion campaigns
Akinsanya notes that the NiRA launched wide-reaching marketing and awareness campaigns to promote the .ng domain. Working with its Accredited Registrars, NiRA drives domain name adoption through newsletters, social media platforms and offline outreach.
In Q3 2024, NiRA introduced a Registrar Incentive Programme to reward outstanding contributions by Accredited Registrars in boosting domain registrations.
Looking ahead to 2025
The NiRA President outlines key priorities for 2025, which include strengthening the .ng brand both locally and internationally, increasing DNS security advocacy, deepening stakeholder engagement, and expanding domain adoption among businesses and the general public.
Akinsanya also acknowledges the service of outgoing Board Members, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the development of the association.
He thanks NiRA members, stakeholders, and staff for their continued support and affirms the association’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
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