The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing reliance on foreign domain names, warning that the trend weakens the country’s control over its digital identity and limits economic gains from its expanding online ecosystem.
Speaking at the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative for the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in Lagos, NiRA President, Adesola Akinsanya, questioned who truly owns Nigeria’s digital presence, stressing that the answer lies in deliberate choices regarding domain name adoption and the narratives shaping the country’s digital ecosystem.
He likened the widespread adoption of foreign domains to building assets on land owned by others, where control, legal authority, and economic benefits ultimately reside outside the country.
According to him, many Nigerian businesses operating on domains such as .com are effectively anchoring their digital operations on infrastructure beyond national control.
Industry stakeholders at the event noted that while Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand driven by increasing internet penetration and a vibrant tech ecosystem a significant portion of the value generated is lost through payments tied to foreign domain registration and hosting services.
NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Seyi Onasanya, described domain names as “digital real estate,” emphasizing their role as a foundational layer of the modern economy.
She stated that countries that prioritise local domain systems are better positioned to retain value, strengthen trust, and enhance digital competitiveness.
Onasanya added that although country-code domains account for nearly 40 percent of global domain registrations, Nigeria still records relatively low adoption of its .ng domain despite its large population and millions of small and medium enterprises.
Experts at the forum warned that dependence on foreign domains contributes to capital flight, weakens national branding, and exposes businesses to external regulatory risks.
They stressed that every domain name represents a potential economic asset linked to transactions, jobs, and overall GDP growth.
Beyond economic implications, speakers highlighted trust and security as critical issues.
Legal and cybersecurity expert Ridwan Badmus noted that Nigeria’s regulatory framework is evolving to support a more secure digital environment, including policies encouraging government institutions to adopt local domains and hosting services.
He explained that the .ng domain benefits from enhanced security features such as DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and improved monitoring systems, which strengthen resilience against cyber threats.
Participants also underscored the role of the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the media in shaping public understanding of digital infrastructure and urged journalists to go beyond reporting on innovation trends and focus on the underlying systems that power the digital economy.
They emphasized that consistent and informed media coverage could influence how businesses and institutions perceive the value of adopting local domains.
Stakeholders concluded that achieving stronger adoption of .ng domains would require coordinated efforts across government, private sector, and the media, alongside sustained public awareness campaigns and noted that Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey, where decisions made today will determine whether the country secures digital sovereignty or remains dependent on external systems.
They pointed out that the story of Nigeria’s internet is still being written and its outcome will depend on the choices they country makes now.
Reporting By Chioma Ezike