The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) made a landmark move in promoting Nigeria’s digital identity with the inaugural NiRA Tech Convergence 1.0 on November 28, 2024. Held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, the event, themed “Innovating Nigeria’s Digital Future through Tech and Creativity,” celebrated the achievements of the .ng domain while fostering discussions on leveraging technology and creativity to shape the nation’s digital future.
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Showcasing Nigeria’s unique digital identity
The .ng domain, Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), stood at the heart of the conversations, with stakeholders emphasising its value as both a digital asset and a symbol of national identity. Speaking during the Fireside Chat titled “Leveraging the .ng Domain for the Evolving Digital Content Space,” Peter Oluka, Editor of Techeconomy, passionately advocated for adopting the .ng domain as a vital tool for businesses and content creators.
“.ng gives the user a unique identity,” Oluka explained. “There’s something that points to the word that this platform or this user is actually from Nigeria, or is resident in Nigeria, or is coming from Nigeria.”
He also stressed the branding advantage that comes with the .ng extension, illustrating how it strengthens businesses’ positions in local and global markets. “If I ask you about Nigerian banks, anyone who visits a bank’s website using the .ng domain knows that this is a Nigerian bank,” he said.
The Business Case for the .ng Domain
Oluka highlighted the .ng domain’s cost-effectiveness, particularly for Nigerian businesses. He explained that payments made in Naira make it more affordable compared to international domains. “The price is quite competitive, especially when you register with local registrars. It makes a huge difference for Nigerian startups and SMEs.”
He pointed to notable platforms such as theguardian.ng and leadership.ng as examples of established brands adopting the .ng domain to enhance their Nigerian identity. “Even large brands see the .ng domain as integral to their online presence,” he added.
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Driving inclusion and supporting startups
Throughout the two-day event, speakers championed the role of the .ng domain in advancing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. NIRA President Adesola Akinsanya emphasised the association’s mission to make Nigeria a digital hub showcasing its youths’ innovative skills. Similarly, Ahmad Mukoshy, CEO of GIGALAYER, called for support of local innovations, urging Nigerians to trust and adopt homegrown solutions.
For startups, Oluka explained, the .ng domain provides significant visibility, particularly for sectors like healthtech, agritech, and e-commerce. “For startups, having a .ng domain shows you’re part of the Nigerian ecosystem, attracting attention locally and globally.”
The session concluded with practical advice on registering a .ng domain. Oluka urged businesses to visit register.ng, describing it as the official portal for securing a .ng domain. “It’s a patriotic and strategic choice that enhances your visibility, branding, and global reach,” he concluded.
NiRA Tech Convergence 2024 proved to be an inspiring platform for celebrating Nigeria’s digital achievements while highlighting the immense potential of the .ng domain in shaping a robust and innovative digital future. For Nigerian businesses and content creators, the message was clear: embracing the .ng domain is both a smart business move and a statement of national pride.