Follow Us on Google
By Chinenye Anuforo
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) marked its 20th anniversary alongside the 8th edition of the .ng Awards, honouring more than 40 individuals and organisations for their contributions to the country’s digital ecosystem.
Held under the theme “20 Years, One Identity: Powering Nigeria with .ng,” the anniversary activities featured a live radio appearance, the production of the NiRA History Documentary, a community walk and a grand awards ceremony attended by pioneers, innovators, partners and members of the NiRA community.
Chairman of the .ng Awards Committee, Mr. Peter Oluka, said the event was designed to celebrate the pioneers who laid the foundation of Nigeria’s digital identity while also recognising today’s leaders who continue to elevate the .ng brand. He urged stakeholders to look ahead to the next two decades with renewed national pride.
In his remarks, NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, described the .ng domain as Nigeria’s “digital anchor,” noting that the association has grown into a custodian of the nation’s online identity. He encouraged Nigerians, institutions and businesses to adopt the .ng domain as a trusted marker of digital representation and economic empowerment.
A tribute session led by NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Onasanya, highlighted the contributions of early champions who shaped the repatriation and governance of the .ng domain. She described their efforts as central to Nigeria’s digital awakening.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the 20th Anniversary Logo and a hardcover version of the NiRA History Documentary, which captures the accounts of more than 30 stakeholders on the association’s two-decade journey.
Other News
At the awards night, Pulse Nigeria was named Best Online Media Website, while Cool FM won Best Electronic Media Website (Radio). The Corporate Affairs Commission was recognised for Digital Innovation in the Federal Government category, and Lagos State received the award for Digital Innovation in State Government. Hervest won Startup Company of the Year, and Nibox Financial Payment Solutions emerged as .ng Fintech Company of the Year.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Dr. (Mrs.) Ibukun Abimbola Odusote, Chief Chima Onyekwere, Dr. Isaac Odeyemi, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and the late Engr. Ndukwe Kalu for their pioneering roles in shaping NiRA.
Presidential Award recipients included Go54, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Hon. Stanley Olajide, the Nigeria Computer Society, Techeconomy, QServers, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and Gavel. Afrigo Pay Financial received the top honour as the .ng Company of the Year 2025.
NiRA said the anniversary served not only as a celebration but also as a reaffirmation of the partnerships and innovations that have driven the .ng domain over the past 20 years. The association reiterated the call for wider adoption of the .ng domain as Nigeria’s official digital identity.
According to NiRA, the full list of winners and awardees will be published on the .ng Awards website and nira.org.ng.
