A significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework was yesterday recorded in Lagos as Nigeria officially unveiled DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the .ng domain.
The unveiling positions Nigeria 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.
The deployment was carried out by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the registry responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng).
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 Domain Name System (DNS), DNSSEC ensures that users accessing .ng websites are
reliably connected to authentic and verified online destinations.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya 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.
The President further added:
“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.”
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 and the Nigerian Communications Commission
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 and
the Office of the National Security Adviser, further reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a forward-looking
digital economy.
L-R: President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, V/C of ICANNccNSO, Mr. Bisi Oladipo, COO NiRA, Mrs Oluwaseyi Onasanya, Executive Board Director, Mr. Ahmad Mukoshy, Barr. Ridwan Badmus, Tec Lawyer and NITRA President, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi at a Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Workshop organised for NITRA Members by NiRA in Lagos yesterday.
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.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NiRA added:
“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.
The COO further stated:
“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.”
The COO concluded:
“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.”
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.
