Nigeria has taken a significant step toward securing its digital space with the introduction of Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the country’s .ng domain, a move aimed at combating rising cyber threats and reinforcing trust in the nation’s online ecosystem.
The initiative was officially unveiled by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the registry responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng), during the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative held on April 16, 2026, at its secretariat in Lagos.
With this development, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries deploying advanced security protocols to protect internet infrastructure and support a more resilient digital economy.
DNSSEC is a critical internet security enhancement that introduces cryptographic validation into the domain name system, helping to prevent cyber threats such as phishing attacks, domain spoofing, and DNS hijacking. By ensuring that users are directed to authentic websites, the protocol strengthens confidence in online transactions and communications.
President of NiRA, Adesola Akinsanya, described the rollout as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. He noted that as more services migrate online, the need for a secure and trustworthy internet environment becomes increasingly essential.
“The deployment of DNSSEC on the .ng domain marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward a safer internet. It reinforces our commitment to global best practices and positions Nigeria for a more secure digital future,” he said.
Akinsanya emphasised that enhancing trust in the .ng domain would not only improve cybersecurity but also stimulate innovation, attract investment, and support the growth of digital services across the country. He encouraged organisations, particularly those handling critical infrastructure, to integrate DNSSEC into their cybersecurity strategies.
The implementation is expected to deliver significant benefits across key sectors including finance, telecommunications, e-commerce, and public sector platforms—areas that are highly vulnerable to cyber threats. Institutions regulated by bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) stand to gain from the enhanced security framework.
The rollout also aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda championed by agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), both of which continue to promote policies and initiatives that strengthen national cybersecurity.
Speaking on the implementation process, Chief Operating Officer of NiRA, Oluwaseyi Onasanya, revealed that the .ng domain has already been fully signed with DNSSEC and is currently undergoing a monitoring phase to ensure optimal stability and performance.
She explained that adoption would follow a phased approach, enabling accredited registrars and domain owners to gradually integrate DNSSEC protection into their individual domains.
“This milestone is the result of extensive collaboration and technical planning. Our priority now is to drive seamless adoption and ensure that stakeholders across the ecosystem fully benefit from this enhanced security layer,” she stated.
As part of its broader strategy, NiRA has also intensified capacity-building efforts through targeted training programmes and workshops conducted in partnership with global organisations, equipping internet service providers, registrars, and other stakeholders with the knowledge required to implement and manage DNSSEC effectively.
NiRA reiterated its commitment to promoting awareness and accelerating nationwide adoption, urging businesses and organisations to embrace the .ng domain as a secure, credible, and trusted digital identity.
The deployment of DNSSEC signals a bold step forward in Nigeria’s quest to build a safer, more resilient digital economy anchored on trust, innovation, and global best practices.
