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Rising Reliance on Foreign Domains Threatens Digital Identity
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing dependence on foreign domain names, warning that the trend weakens national control over the country’s digital identity and limits economic value retention from its rapidly expanding online ecosystem.
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Speaking at the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative for the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) in Lagos, NiRA President Adesola Akinsanya questioned who truly owns Nigeria’s digital presence. He stressed that ownership is determined by deliberate choices around domain adoption and the narratives shaping the digital economy.
Foreign Domains Compared to Building on Borrowed Land
Akinsanya likened the widespread use of foreign domains to developing assets on land owned by others—where legal authority, control, and economic benefits ultimately lie outside Nigeria. According to him, many Nigerian businesses operating on domains such as .com are effectively anchoring their digital operations on infrastructure beyond national jurisdiction.
Industry stakeholders at the forum observed that while Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow—driven by rising internet penetration and a vibrant tech ecosystem—a significant share of the value created is lost through payments for foreign domain registrations and hosting services.
Domain Names as Digital Real Estate
NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Seyi Onasanya, described domain names as “digital real estate,” emphasizing their role as a foundational layer of the modern economy. She noted that countries prioritising local domain systems are better positioned to retain value, strengthen trust, and improve digital competitiveness.
Although country-code domains account for nearly 40 percent of global domain registrations, Nigeria’s adoption of its .ng domain remains relatively low despite its large population and millions of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Economic Costs: Capital Flight and Weakened National Branding
Experts at the forum warned that dependence on foreign domains fuels capital flight, undermines national branding, and exposes businesses to external regulatory and legal risks. They stressed that every domain name represents an economic asset linked to transactions, employment, and GDP growth.
NiRA cautioned that while individual domain registration fees may appear modest, the cumulative impact across millions of businesses results in billions of naira lost annually to foreign service providers, adding sustained pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
Security, Trust, and Regulatory Considerations
Beyond economics, speakers highlighted trust and cybersecurity as critical factors. Legal and cybersecurity expert Ridwan Badmus noted that Nigeria’s regulatory framework is evolving to support a more secure digital environment, including policies encouraging government institutions to adopt local domains and hosting services.
He explained that the .ng domain benefits from enhanced security features such as DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and improved monitoring systems, which strengthen resilience against cyber threats.
Media’s Role in Shaping Digital Infrastructure Awareness
Participants underscored the role of the media in shaping public understanding of digital infrastructure. Journalists were urged to go beyond reporting innovation trends and focus on the underlying systems—such as domain names—that power the digital economy. Consistent and informed coverage, stakeholders said, could significantly influence how businesses and institutions perceive the value of adopting .ng domains.
Call for Policy Intervention and Executive Action
NiRA concluded that boosting .ng adoption will require coordinated action by government, the private sector, and the media, supported by sustained public awareness campaigns. Akinsanya described the issue as one of strategic national importance and called for stronger policy intervention, including an executive order mandating the use of .ng domains for government communications and official digital engagements.
According to him, countries that prioritise their country-code domains have successfully built millions of registrations and retained greater economic value within their digital infrastructure. Nigeria, stakeholders warned, now stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey—where today’s choices will determine whether it secures digital sovereignty or remains dependent on external systems.
