By Juliet Umeh

Nigeria has taken a major step to strengthen its cybersecurity framework with the unveiling of Domain Name System Security Extensions, DNSSEC, on the .ng domain.

The deployment, carried out by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, the registry managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain, is expected to enhance trust, protect users online and support the growth of the country’s digital economy.

DNSSEC is an advanced internet security protocol designed to protect users and organisations from cyber threats that redirect internet traffic to fraudulent or malicious websites. By introducing cryptographic verification into the Domain Name System, DNS, it ensures that users accessing .ng websites are connected to authentic and verified destinations.

The President of NiRA, Mr. Ademola Akinsanya, described the rollout as a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.

“The successful deployment and unveiling of DNSSEC on the .ng domain represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem. As more critical services move online, it is essential that we provide a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses and government,” he said.

He added that the initiative aligns with global best practices and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building a resilient digital future.

According to him, strengthening trust in the .ng namespace would create an enabling environment for innovation, investment and digital services to thrive within and beyond Nigeria.

The 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, are expected to benefit from enhanced protection against cyber threats such as phishing, spoofing and data interception.

NiRA said: “that the DNSSEC implementation has been completed, with the .ng zone fully signed and currently undergoing a monitoring phase to ensure stability and optimal performance.

“A phased rollout would enable accredited registrars and domain owners to adopt DNSSEC protection for their individual domain names.”

Also, Chief Operating Officer of NiRA, Oluwaseyi Onasanya, said the deployment followed extensive planning and collaboration across the ecosystem.

“This deployment is the result of careful planning, technical expertise and strong collaboration. 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,” she said.

She called on organisations providing critical digital services, including banks, fintech firms, telecom operators, government agencies and e-commerce platforms, to integrate DNSSEC into their cybersecurity frameworks.

“By strengthening trust and security in Nigeria’s online environment, DNSSEC will play a vital role in boosting confidence in digital services, supporting e-commerce growth and accelerating the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy,” she added.

NiRA also urged businesses and individuals to adopt the .ng domain as a secure digital identity, noting that the initiative would reinforce Nigeria’s presence in the global digital landscape.