Stakeholders at the Nigeria Internet Registration Association’s 20th Anniversary and 8th .ng Awards in Lagos.
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Tuesday alongside the 8th .ng Awards, recognising over 40 individuals and organisations that have shaped Nigeria’s digital space over the years.
The anniversary, themed “20 Years, One Identity: Powering Nigeria with .ng”, featured a series of impact-driven activities, including a live radio appearance, the production of the NiRA History Documentary, and the Community Walk, culminating in a grand Anniversary and Awards Night. The event brought together pioneers, innovators, partners, industry leaders, and members of the NiRA community to celebrate two decades of stewarding Nigeria’s digital identity.
Chairman of the .ng Awards Committee, Mr Peter Oluka, said in his welcome address that the evening was designed to pay tribute to NiRA’s early pioneers, acknowledge current leaders, and applaud outstanding achievements that continue to elevate the .ng brand. He added that as NiRA marks 20 years, the community must look ahead to the next two decades with renewed commitment and national pride.
President of NiRA, Mr Adesola Akinsanya, reflected on the organisation’s journey. “Twenty years ago, visionary men and women laid the foundation for what has grown to become Nigeria’s digital anchor, the custodian of our online identity,” he said. He emphasised the importance of the .ng domain as a symbol of national representation, digital trust, and economic empowerment, calling on Nigerians, businesses, institutions, creators, and citizens to embrace the .ng domain as the authentic digital identity of the nation.
The NiRA COO, Mrs Oluwaseyi Onasanya, paid tribute to the men and women whose early contributions shaped NiRA’s emergence. She highlighted the sacrifices, collaborations, and determination that guided the repatriation and governance of the .ng domain, describing the story of .ng as “the story of Nigeria’s digital awakening.”
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the 20th Anniversary Logo and the hardcover NiRA History Documentary, featuring over 30 stakeholders recounting the organisation’s journey from inception, through challenges and triumphs, to its current role as manager of Nigeria’s digital identity.
The awards ceremony recognised excellence across sectors. Pulse Nigeria was named Best Online Media Website, Cool FM received Best Electronic Media Website, the Corporate Affairs Commission was honoured for Digital Innovation in the Federal Government category, and Lagos State received recognition for Digital Innovation in State Government. Hervest was named Startup Company of the Year, while Nibox Financial Payment Solutions was recognised as the .ng Fintech Company of the Year.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to pioneers and key figures, including Dr Ibukun Odusote, Chief Chima Onyekwere, Dr Isaac Odeyemi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and the late Engr Ndukwe Kalu, honouring their enduring contributions to Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Presidential Awards recognised organisations and individuals advancing digital transformation, including Go54, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Hon. Stanley Olajide, the Nigeria Computer Society, Techeconomy, QServers, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and Gavel. The top honour of the night, .ng Company of the Year 2025, went to Afrigo Pay Financial.
The Anniversary and Awards Night was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of the partnerships, innovations, and national identity that have defined NiRA’s 20-year journey. The President and COO emphasised that the next phase of Nigeria’s digital growth will require deeper adoption of the .ng domain. For Nigeria, the .ng domain represents its digital identity, strengthens sovereignty, builds global trust, protects local content, powers digital commerce, and secures the nation’s innovative future.
