Nigeria’s .ng Domain Name Maintains Steady Growth, Increased to 206,970 in October 2023

Emma Okonji

The adoption rate of Nigeria’s .ng domain name continues to maintain steady growth in the last six months, with a further rise to 206,970 in October this year, latest statistics released by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) has revealed.

According to the statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NiRA, the .ng domain name registration, renewal and restoration, reached 206,970 in October this year, slightly up from the 201,442 and 203,904 figures that were attained in August and September respectively this year.

In the last six months, the .ng domain name has maintained a steady growth in its adoption rate across the country, rising from 193,085 in May this year to 195,098 and 198,294 in June and July respectively, with a further rise to 201,442; 203,904; and 206,970 in August, September and October respectively this year.

THISDAY had earlier reported a steady growth in the country’s .ng domain name from July 2022 to July 2023. According to the report, 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.

But according to the latest statistics, registration of .ng domain name alone reached 8,676 in August this year, and slide to 8,433 in September, before increasing again to 8,598 in October 2023. Renewal of .ng domain name alone was 5,317 in August this year, before sliding to 4,925 in September, but later increased to 5,181 in October this year, while restoration of .ng domain name was 109 in August, and increased to 125 in September before sliding to 118 in October2023.  

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, adding that NiRA recognises the significance of collaborating with strategic partners who share in NiRA’s vision and can assist in achieving its vital objective.

“Our commitment to innovation and the pivotal role of the .ng domain has been underscored by remarkable growth, fueled by impactful collaborations that have driven meaningful change in the Nigerian internet ecosystem. The recently concluded 6th .NG Awards stand as a testament to our dedication to celebrating impactful contributions and outstanding innovations that shape Nigeria’s evolving internet space. Beyond recognition, these awards actively promote the .ng brand, significantly contributing to the growth of our nation’s internet landscape. Our journey this year has been one of positive impact in the digital space, and as we continue our engagements, we look forward to even greater strides,” Akinsanya further said.