Nigeria’s internet custodian marks 20 years with digital literacy drive nationwide

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), custodian of the country’s .ng domain, has rolled out a nationwide digital literacy and awareness drive as part of activities marking its 20th anniversary and the 8th edition of the .ng Awards scheduled for December 2, 2025.

Tagged “20 Years, One Identity: Powering Nigeria With .NG,” the anniversary highlights NiRA’s two-decade journey in strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity, expanding local content, and supporting the country’s transition toward a more secure, innovation-driven digital economy.

Over the past 20 years, the .ng domain has evolved from a technical resource to one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. It now serves as a trusted national identifier for businesses, institutions, and individuals, anchoring Nigeria’s presence on the global internet while helping retain economic value locally.

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Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the anniversary reflects the growth of Nigeria’s digital confidence, adding that, “This celebration is not just about the growth of a domain; it is about the evolution of Nigeria’s digital confidence. For two decades, .ng has represented who we are: innovative, resilient, and globally positioned. As we celebrate NiRA at 20, we recommit to a future where every Nigerian and every business proudly thrives with .ng.”

A major component of the anniversary is a national digital literacy drive aimed at promoting awareness of the .ng domain, educating citizens on cybersecurity, and deepening understanding of Nigeria’s digital identity architecture. NiRA will embark on community walks across major cities to sensitize the public on safe online practices and the importance of hosting local content within the country’s domain ecosystem.

Complementing the awareness drive, NiRA will support 20 secondary schools with digital infrastructure, e-learning resources, and school-branded .ng domains. The initiative seeks to inspire early digital leadership, enhance technology adoption, and expand students’ access to online educational tools.

Oluwaseyi Onasanya, NiRA’s chief operating officer, said the outreach is part of the association’s long-term commitment to inclusive digital development. “NiRA at 20 is not only a celebration of the past but an investment in the future. Our community walk and school support projects reflect our commitment to inclusive digital development. We want every young Nigerian to understand that .ng is their gateway to opportunities—local, secure, and globally recognized,” Onasanya added.

The anniversary will also feature the 8th .ng Awards, where NiRA will honour more than 40 businesses, institutions, innovators, and individuals who have excelled in leveraging the .ng domain to drive digital transformation and global visibility.

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According to Peter Oluka, chairman of the Anniversary and Awards Planning Committee, this year’s edition carries special significance. “The .ng Awards have become a national stage for celebrating champions of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. This year is deeper because we are honouring not only innovation, but also the people and institutions that have sustained the spirit of .ng for 20 years.”

To document Nigeria’s internet evolution, NiRA will launch a book and documentary chronicling key milestones, the growth of the .ng domain, and the contributions of early pioneers who shaped the country’s digital landscape. The publication is expected to serve as a national digital archive for future generations.

As Nigeria intensifies efforts toward digital sovereignty, enhanced local content, and secure online identity, NiRA says the next decade will focus on deeper .ng adoption across government, startups, enterprises, educational institutions, and the creative economy.

With its digital literacy drive and nationwide outreach, NiRA’s 20th anniversary marks not just a milestone but a renewed push to ensure that every Nigerian is equipped to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital future.

Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.

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