Nigeria has officially unveiled Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the .ng domain, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework.
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). 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.
DNSSEC is a critical internet security protocol that protects users and organisations from cyber threats such as phishing, spoofing, and traffic redirection 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.
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 and data interception.
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.
Speaking at the unveiling, the President of NiRA stated:
“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 the expansion of digital services within Nigeria and beyond.”
The President further added:
“The successful deployment and unveiling of DNSSEC on the .ng domain represent a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem. This milestone reflects our commitment to global best practices and to building a resilient digital future for Nigeria.”
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NiRA also noted:
“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.”
He continued:
“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.”
NiRA is calling on organisations operating critical digital services—particularly banks, fintech companies, telecommunications providers, government agencies, and e-commerce platforms—to integrate DNSSEC into their cybersecurity frameworks and adopt the protection for their individual domain names.
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).
NiRA affirmed that it will continue to collaborate with registrars, industry stakeholders, and the broader technical community to drive awareness, build capacity, and accelerate DNSSEC 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,” the COO concluded.
About NiRA
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is the registry organisation responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng). NiRA is dedicated to promoting the growth of the internet in Nigeria while ensuring the stability, security, and global competitiveness of the .ng domain namespace.
