The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has expressed concern over Nigeria’s increasing dependence on foreign domain names, warning that the trend could weaken the country’s control over its digital identity and limit economic benefits from its growing online ecosystem.
The warning was issued during the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative for the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) held in Lagos, where industry stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening local domain adoption.
Adesola Akinsanya, president of NiRA, questioned the ownership of Nigeria’s digital presence, arguing that the answer lies in the country’s approach to domain name usage and the narratives shaping its digital economy. He likened the widespread reliance on foreign domains to building on land owned by others, where control, legal authority, and economic value ultimately reside outside national borders.
According to him, many Nigerian businesses operating on widely used domains such as .com are effectively anchoring their digital operations on infrastructure that is not under Nigeria’s control, raising concerns about long-term sovereignty and value retention.
Stakeholders at the forum noted that while Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand driven by rising internet penetration and a vibrant technology ecosystem, a significant share of the value generated is lost through payments for foreign domain registration and hosting services.
Seyi Onasanya, chief operating officer of NiRA, described domain names as “digital real estate,” underscoring their strategic importance as a foundational layer of the modern economy. She explained that countries that prioritise local domain systems are better positioned to retain economic value, build trust, and strengthen their competitiveness in the global digital landscape.
Onasanya further observed that although country-code domains account for nearly 40 percent of global registrations, Nigeria’s adoption of its .ng domain remains relatively low, despite the country’s large population and growing base of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Experts warned that continued reliance on foreign domains could contribute to capital flight, weaken Nigeria’s digital branding, and expose businesses to external regulatory risks. They emphasised that each domain name represents a potential economic asset tied to transactions, employment generation, and broader contributions to gross domestic product.
Beyond the economic implications, speakers highlighted issues of trust and cybersecurity. Ridwan Badmus, a legal and cybersecurity expert, noted that Nigeria’s regulatory environment is gradually evolving to support a more secure digital ecosystem, including policies encouraging government institutions to adopt local domains and hosting infrastructure.
He added that the .ng domain offers enhanced security features such as Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and improved monitoring systems, which provide stronger protection against cyber threats.
Participants at the event agreed that boosting adoption of the .ng domain would require coordinated efforts across government agencies, private sector players, and the media, alongside sustained public awareness campaigns.
They noted that Nigeria is at a critical point in its digital evolution, where decisions around infrastructure and digital identity will shape the country’s ability to achieve sovereignty in the digital space or remain reliant on external systems.
