Monday, 20 October 2025

Nigeria takes charge of its digital future, promotes the .ng domain

In a decisive move toward reclaiming Nigeria’s place in the global digital landscape, the Nigerian Senate has joined hands with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) to drive nationwide adoption of the .ng domain, Nigeria’s official digital identity.

The partnership marks a powerful moment in the country’s journey toward digital sovereignty, the idea that Nigeria should control its own data, technology systems, and online identity rather than depend on foreign infrastructures.

For years, many Nigerian government agencies, businesses, and organizations have hosted their websites under foreign domains like .com, .org, or .net, effectively placing their digital assets under international control. Now, with growing concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and national self-reliance, the tide is turning and the .ng domain is at the heart of that transformation.

During recent discussions, the Senate emphasized that adopting the .ng domain is not just a technical preference but a matter of national importance. Lawmakers pointed out that keeping Nigeria’s digital footprint within its own borders will strengthen cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and enhance public trust in online services.

The Bureau of Public Procurement echoed that sentiment, calling on all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to migrate their official platforms to .ng. According to the BPP, this shift is a vital step in ensuring transparency, authenticity, and accountability in government communication and procurement processes.

For NITDA, which has been championing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda for years, the message is clear, digital independence begins with owning one’s online identity. The agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reaffirmed that using the .ng domain aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s vision under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which seeks to position Nigeria as a globally competitive digital economy built on innovation, trust, and security.

At the center of it all stands NiRA, the custodian of Nigeria’s internet name space. NiRA’s leadership has long advocated for greater adoption of .ng, emphasizing that beyond the symbolism, every .ng domain registered contributes directly to the nation’s digital economy. It keeps revenue circulating within Nigeria, promotes local content creation, and boosts visibility for Nigerian businesses and institutions on the global stage.

The collaboration among these four institutions is not just an administrative move; it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that Nigeria is ready to define its own digital destiny. By encouraging both government and private entities to embrace .ng, they are laying the foundation for a future where Nigeria’s data, creativity, and digital innovations remain anchored on home soil.

As the world grows increasingly connected, owning and protecting one’s digital identity has become as crucial as guarding physical borders. For Nigeria, the .ng domain represents more than just a web address, it is a symbol of pride, autonomy, and a shared vision of a self-reliant digital nation.

The message is unmistakable: Nigeria is taking charge of its digital future, one domain at a time.

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