Stakeholders Warn Nigeria Cannot Build Its Digital Future on Borrowed Domain Names

Emma Okonji

Industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the rapid adoption of foreign domain names by Nigerians and the extensive use of overseas data hosting facilities. They warned that these practices could hinder Nigeria’s progress in cyberspace.

The remarks were made at the Tech Convergence Forum, hosted by the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in Abuja.

With the theme “Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Independence: The Role of Policy, Digital Identity, and .ng for Economic Growth,” the forum called for Nigeria to take ownership of, govern, and expand its digital identity without further delay.

One of the most striking points raised was that Nigeria may be losing an estimated $850 million each year by not fully exploiting its own digital identity infrastructure.

In his opening address, NiRA President Mr. Adesola Akinsaya urged Nigerians to view the .ng domain as their primary online identity, placing it above foreign domain names.

“Digital independence does not mean isolation from the global internet. It means a secure, resilient, and competitive digital ecosystem that gives Nigeria greater control over its data, infrastructure, digital identity system, and online presence,” Akinsaya said.

Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity Chairman Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu delivered the keynote speech, drawing parallels with the US‑China tech rivalry, the EU’s disputes with Apple and Google over COVID contact‑tracing sovereignty, and Israel’s use of digital infrastructure in warfare. He emphasized that Nigeria’s .ng domain is not merely a technical registration but a matter of national security.