Emma Okonji
The adoption rate of Nigeria’s .ng domain name maintained a steady growth in three consecutive months in July, August and September this year, latest statistics released by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has revealed.
NiRAis the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD).
According to the statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NiRA, the .ng domain name registration, renewal and restoration, reached 203,904 in September this year, up from the 198,294 and 201,442 figures that were attained in July and August this year respectively, which resulted in a steady growth rate for three consecutive months, even though the margins were minimal.
THISDAY had earlier reported a steady growth in the country’s .ng domain name from 193,085 in May this year to 198,294 in July, despite the downtime in Nigeria’s economy in recent time.
A comprehensive data of the adoption rate of .ng domain name in the last one year, showed that in July 2022, the figure grew to 180,162 and from August to September same year, it increased to 181,275. From October to November 2022, the figure increased again to 183,169. In December 2022, it increased again to 183,792 before it reached 184,425 in January 2023, and 189,158 in March 2023.
Again it increased from 189,158 in March to 193,085 in May this year, and rose again to 195,098 in June, before reaching 198,294 in July 2023.
According to the latest statistics, registration of .ng domain name alone reached 8,308 in July this year, and increased again to 8,676 in August, before sliding to 8,433 in September 2023. Renewal of .ng domain name alone was 5,403 in July this year, before sliding to 5,317 in August, with a further slide to 4,925 in September this year, while restoration of .ng domain name was 129 in July, but dropped to 109 in August before increasing to 125 in September 2023.
The ccTLD .ng domain name is Nigeria’s identity in cyberspace, which has the .ng at the suffix of every official email address that originates from Nigeria. In the United Kingdom, all official email addresses end with .co.uk, in United States of America, they end with .com, while in South Africa, the official email addresses end with .co.za.
In Nigeria, NiRA has carried out several campaigns to sensitise Nigerians on the need to populate .ng domain name.
Giving reasons for the continuous increase in the adoption rate of .ng domain name across the county in the past one year, the President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, told THISDAY that the strategic collaborations between NiRA and some government agencies, aimed at populating Nigeria’s .ng domain name, were largely responsible.
According to him, NiRA holds a pivotal role as the steward of Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), a crucial element in advancing the nation’s digital ecosystem. NiRA recognises the significance of collaborating with strategic partners who share in NiRA’s vision and can assist in achieving its vital objective.
Akinsanya said; “Some of these significant partnerships include those with government entities and organisations that stand out. These partnerships play a pivotal role in accelerating technological advancement for the growth of the nation’s economy. A recent highlight last month was the visit of the Honorable Commissioner of Innovation and Digital Economy for Sokoto State, Mr. Bashir Kwabo, and his team. The meeting emphasised NiRA’s crucial role in advancing Sokoto State’s digital landscape, and we express our gratitude for their support.”
He further said: “As the custodians of the .ng domain, our active participation in global internet discussions is paramount. This objective was evident by our presence at the 18th edition of the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan. The forum provided a platform to guide the global community toward a more inclusive and connected digital future. Our engagement in these conversations impacts not only the global internet community but also the African and Nigerian internet communities. Additionally, the .ng Academy has embarked on commendable projects this year to contribute to the digital landscape. Last week, the Dean of the Academy, Ms. Joy Lawal, along with the Vice President of NiRA, Mr. Muritala Abdullahi and a NiRA board member, Mr. Mayowa Ajiboye, engaged in partnership discussions with the Honorable Commissioner of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Kano State, Mr. Muhammad Othman. These collaborations are integral to enhancing the .ng Academy’s mission of promoting digital literacy in Nigeria and supporting the federal government in training one million Nigerians.”
