NIGERIA’s digital ecosystem recorded fresh momentum in January, with 6,155 companies securing third-level .ng domain names in a move that highlights growing preference for homegrown web identities.
Data published by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), custodian of Nigeria’s country-code top-level domain, revealed that 8,111 new .ng domains were created during the month. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) made up close to 75 percent of that total, signalling stronger participation from the country’s dominant business segment.
Beyond new sign-ups, overall activity in the namespace was robust. NiRA recorded 15,216 domain transactions in January, a figure that included 7,105 renewals. The renewal numbers suggest that existing domain holders are choosing to maintain their Nigerian web addresses rather than abandon them.
According to NiRA President, Mr Adesola Akinsanya, the pattern goes beyond statistical growth and reflects a mindset change among businesses.
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He noted that registering a .ng domain represents more than securing a web address; it signals deliberate positioning within Nigeria’s digital economy. Renewals, he added, demonstrate sustained commitment and long-term business planning in the online space.
Much of the traction came from third-level domains such as .com.ng, widely regarded as cost-effective options for startups and growing businesses. In January alone, that segment generated 6,155 registrations, making it the most active category.
Accessible pathway
Mr Akinsanya explained that these domains provide an accessible pathway for entrepreneurs transitioning from social media-based selling to more structured digital operations built around owned websites and branded identities.
While third-level domains led in new registrations, second-level domains – shorter names ending directly in .ng – showed stronger retention behaviour. Renewals in that premium category climbed to 2,424, outpacing 1,956 new registrations. The imbalance indicates that businesses which had earlier secured prime names are choosing to hold on to them.
He emphasised that renewal trends are a clearer indicator of value perception than new registrations, noting that businesses only renew when they see tangible benefits in visibility, trust and brand positioning.
Nigeria First Policy
The steady expansion of Nigeria’s local domain space aligns with the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy signed in 2025. The directive prioritises local hosting, indigenous digital assets and domestic content infrastructure. Ministries, departments and agencies are expected to migrate to .ng domains within a defined period as part of broader digital sovereignty goals.
Mr Akinsanya described the .ng domain as critical national infrastructure, comparable to symbols of economic and telecommunications identity. In his view, strengthening adoption of local domains reinforces Nigeria’s online independence and long-term digital resilience.
Nigeria’s digital economy. powered by fintech, e-commerce, online publishing and a rapidly expanding startup environment, has become a significant contributor to gross domestic product. However, a large share of Nigerian businesses historically relied on foreign domain extensions, with associated registration fees flowing to offshore providers.
Analysts argue that wider adoption of .ng addresses could help keep more digital spending within the domestic economy, support local data centre development and deepen investment in cybersecurity and related services.
