Nigeria has strengthened her digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework with the unveiling of Domain Name System (DNS) Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the .ng domain.
The feat was achieved by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the registry responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng).
The unveiling positions the country among forward-looking nations that have adopted advanced technologies to secure their internet ecosystems, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a trusted, resilient, and globally competitive digital economy.
DNSSEC is a critical internet security protocol that protects users and organisations from cyber threats that attempt to redirect internet traffic to fraudulent or malicious websites. By introducing cryptographic verification into the DNS, DNSSEC ensures that users accessing .ng websites are reliably connected to authentic and verified online destinations.
NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, who spoke on the occasion in Lagos over the weekend, said: “The successful deployment and unveiling of DNSSEC on the .ng domain represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem. As more critical services move online, it is essential that we provide a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government. This milestone reflects our commitment to global best practices and to building a resilient digital future for Nigeria.”
The unveiling of DNSSEC on the .ng domain is more than a technical milestone; it represents a strategic national advancement in cybersecurity and digital trust, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy, governance, and online safety.
“A secure domain name system is fundamental to the growth of the digital economy. By strengthening trust in the .ng namespace, we are creating an enabling environment for innovation, investment, and digital services to thrive within Nigeria and beyond,” he added.
This development is particularly significant for sectors that rely heavily on secure digital infrastructure, including financial services, telecommunications, e-commerce, and government platforms. Institutions regulated by bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) stand to benefit from enhanced protection against cyber threats such as phishing, spoofing, and data interception.
The deployment also aligns with national digital transformation and cybersecurity objectives championed by key government institutions, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), further reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a forward-looking digital economy.
According to NiRA, the DNSSEC implementation has been successfully completed, with the .ng zone fully signed and currently undergoing a monitoring phase to ensure continued stability and optimal performance.
A phased rollout will now commence, enabling accredited registrars and domain owners to adopt DNSSEC protection for their individual domain names.
Speaking on the launch, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NiRA, Seyi Onasanya, said: “This deployment is the result of careful planning, technical expertise, and strong collaboration across the ecosystem. While the .ng zone has now been securely signed, our focus is on ensuring a smooth rollout and driving adoption among registrars and domain owners.”
NiRA is calling on organisations operating critical digital services; particularly banks, fintech companies, telecommunications providers, government agencies, and e-commerce platforms, to take advantage of this capability and integrate DNSSEC into their cybersecurity frameworks.
“By strengthening trust and security in Nigeria’s online environment, DNSSEC will play a vital role in boosting confidence in digital services, supporting e-commerce growth, and accelerating the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy. We also encourage businesses and individuals to embrace the .ng domain as a secure and trusted digital identity, reinforcing Nigeria’s presence and participation in the global digital landscape.
“This unveiling is not just about technology; it is about building trust in Nigeria’s digital future. We invite all stakeholders across the ecosystem to take advantage of this advancement and work with us in driving widespread adoption,” she said.
The Association will continue to collaborate with registrars, industry stakeholders, and the technical community to drive awareness, build capacity, and accelerate adoption across Nigeria.
This milestone underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its digital ecosystem and building trust in the online services that power its economy.
