The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) on Monday reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space and collaborating with government agencies to curb cybercrime and the misuse of online resources.
The assurance was given by NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, in an interview with reporters in Lagos.
Akinsanya said NiRA is fully aligned with the government’s efforts to provide a safe online environment for citizens. He added that the association has engaged strategically with bodies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and law enforcement agencies to discourage internet fraud.
“NiRA continuously provides technical insights, data intelligence, and policy recommendations on issues relating to domain name registration, DNS abuse, and traceability as part of our contribution to the government’s strategy,” he said.
He noted that through partnerships with global bodies like the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), NiRA adheres to international best practices to ensure the Nigerian namespace is secure, credible, and trusted.
Akinsanya spoke against allegations that internet fraudsters in Nigeria and other African countries purchase Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to commit crimes abroad, making it appear as if the offenses originate from Africa.
He clarified that IP addresses and domain names are distinct: IP address management falls under AFRINIC, while NiRA manages the .NG domain registration. Nevertheless, he condemned any misuse of digital resources by Nigerians, whether locally or internationally.
“To maintain the integrity of the national digital identity, NiRA has instituted robust internal controls,” Akinsanya said. “We have multi-layer verification processes and registrar compliance requirements to discourage fraudulent registrations.”
He added that NiRA continuously monitors Domain Name System (DNS) abuse and takes prompt action, in collaboration with security and regulatory agencies, when suspicious activity linked to a .NG domain is detected.
Beyond enforcement, the association has implemented proactive measures over the past two decades, including public awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and stakeholder sensitisation programmes to promote digital responsibility and cyber ethics.
Akinsanya also highlighted NiRA’s investment in Domain Name System Security Extension (DNSSEC) adoption, aimed at making the .NG domain more secure and resilient against attacks.
He assured Nigerians of continued innovation, stronger collaborations, and enhanced trust in the .NG brand. “Our focus remains on deepening local content hosting, promoting digital sovereignty, and ensuring that Nigeria’s online identity remains a symbol of credibility, innovation, and national pride,” he said.
