The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has celebrated its 20th anniversary alongside the 8th .ng Awards, recognising more than 40 individuals and organisations whose work has strengthened Nigeria’s digital landscape over the past two decades.
The event, held on December 2, 2025, marked a major milestone for the managers of the .ng domain, which has grown into a core pillar of the nation’s online identity.
The anniversary, themed “20 Years, One Identity: Powering Nigeria with .ng,” concluded a week of activities that included a live radio engagement, the premiere of the NiRA History Documentary, a community walk, and the formal Anniversary and Awards Night attended by pioneers, industry leaders, and members of the NiRA community.
Welcoming guests, Peter Oluka, Chairman of the .ng Awards Committee, said the evening was designed to honour the people who pushed the .ng brand forward and to “pay tribute to the pioneers, acknowledge today’s leaders, and applaud outstanding achievements.” He added that as NiRA enters its next phase, “the community must look ahead to the next two decades with renewed commitment and national pride.”
NiRA President Adesola Akinsanya reflected on .ng’s evolution, noting that “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 called on Nigerians, institutions, and creators to adopt the .ng domain as the clearest expression of national digital identity.
His remarks set the tone for a tribute session delivered by NiRA’s COO, Oluwaseyi Onasanya, who highlighted the sacrifices and collaboration that shaped NiRA’s emergence. She described the .ng journey as a key chapter in Nigeria’s digital awakening, crediting early champions for steering its repatriation and growth.
A major highlight came with the unveiling of the 20th Anniversary Logo and the hardcover edition of the NiRA History Documentary, which features accounts from more than 30 stakeholders, tracing .ng from inception through years of challenges and milestones.
The awards segment showcased excellence across several sectors. Pulse Nigeria won Best Online Media Website, Cool FM received Best Electronic Media Website (Radio), while the Corporate Affairs Commission and Lagos State Government were honoured for digital innovation. Hervest picked up Startup Company of the Year, and Nibox Financial Payment Solutions emerged as the .ng Fintech Company of the Year.
Lifetime Achievement Awards went to trailblazers including Dr. Ibukun Abimbola Odusote, Chief Chima Onyekwere, Dr. Isaac Odeyemi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the late Engr. Ndukwe Kalu, recognised for their foundational roles in building NiRA’s institutional strength.
Presidential Awards were also presented to organisations and individuals advancing national digital growth. Honourees included Go54, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Hon. Stanley Olajide, Nigeria Computer Society, Techeconomy, QServers, and Gavel. The top honour of the night went to Afrigo Pay Financial, awarded .ng Company of the Year 2025.
Throughout the ceremony, NiRA leadership reiterated that the future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on wider adoption of .ng, describing it as a marker of digital sovereignty, national trust, and local content protection.
The event closed with a call to action encouraging Nigerians and businesses to “own your identity” by choosing .ng as the country pushes toward deeper internet-driven innovation.
The full list of award recipients will be published on the .ng Awards website and nira.org.ng.
