Nigeria activates DNSSEC on .ng domain to curb cyber fraud, boost digital trust

Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has activated Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on Nigeria’s country domain, a move aimed at reducing cyber fraud and strengthening trust in the country’s fast-growing digital economy.

The rollout secures the .ng domain with cryptographic verification, helping prevent hackers from redirecting users to fake websites, a common tactic in phishing and online fraud.

NiRA said the upgrade places Nigeria among countries adopting stronger internet security standards, as more banking, government and commercial services move online. “The deployment marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem,” Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president said, at the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative in Lagos, adding that a secure domain system is critical as digital services expand across the economy.

DNSSEC works by validating that users who type a web address are connected to the legitimate destination, rather than a spoofed or compromised site. The system is seen as a key defence against cyberattacks targeting financial platforms, telecom networks and public services.

The development comes amid rising concerns over cyber threats in Nigeria, where regulators such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission have pushed for stronger safeguards across digital infrastructure.

The move could improve confidence in local domains, which have struggled to compete with foreign alternatives partly due to trust and security perceptions. NiRA said the .ng domain has now been fully signed and is undergoing monitoring, with a phased rollout planned for registrars and website owners. This means banks, fintech firms, e-commerce platforms and government agencies can begin integrating DNSSEC into their systems.

The initiative aligns with broader digital policy efforts led by agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser, both pushing to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture.

“A secure domain name system is fundamental to the growth of the digital economy. By strengthening trust in the .ng namespace, we are creating an enabling environment for innovation, investment, and digital services to thrive within Nigeria and beyond,” the president further added.

Seyi Onasanya, the chief operating officer of NiRA added; “This deployment is the result of careful planning, technical expertise, and strong collaboration across the ecosystem. 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.

NiRA is calling on organisations operating critical digital services; particularly banks, fintech companies, telecommunications providers, government agencies, and e-commerce platforms, to take advantage of thiscapability and 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.

“We also encourage businesses and individuals to embrace the .ng domain as asecure and trusted digital identity, reinforcing Nigeria’s presence and participation in the global digital landscape. This unveiling is not just about technology; it is about building trust in Nigeria’s digital future. We invite all stakeholders across the ecosystem to take advantage of this advancement and work with us in driving widespread adoption,” Onasanya added.

The Association said it will continue to collaborate with registrars, industry stakeholders, and the technical community to drive awareness, build capacity, and accelerate adoption across Nigeria. This milestone underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its digital ecosystem andbuilding trust in the online services that power its economy.