By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria Unveils DNSSEC to Tackle Cyber Threats, Strengthen Digital Trust
Lagos, Nigeria | April 17, 2026
Nigeria has taken a significant step toward strengthening its cybersecurity framework with the official deployment of Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the country’s .ng domain.
The initiative, unveiled by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), marks a major milestone in securing Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and enhancing trust in its digital ecosystem.
DNSSEC is a globally recognized security protocol designed to protect internet users from cyber threats such as phishing, DNS hijacking, and fraudulent website redirection. It works by adding cryptographic verification to the domain name system, ensuring users connect to legitimate websites.
Speaking at the unveiling event held in Lagos, NiRA President, Adesola Akinsanya, described the deployment as a defining moment for Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“As more services move online, it is critical to ensure a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government,” she said.
According to her, the move aligns with global best practices and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to building a resilient and competitive digital economy.
The deployment is expected to benefit key sectors including banking, telecommunications, e-commerce, and government services by providing enhanced protection against cyber threats such as data interception and online fraud.
Institutions regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are among those expected to leverage the improved security framework.
The initiative also supports Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda driven by agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwaseyi Onasanya, disclosed that the .ng domain has already been fully secured with DNSSEC and is currently undergoing a monitoring phase to ensure optimal performance.
She added that the rollout would be implemented in phases, allowing registrars and domain owners to gradually adopt the enhanced security feature.
“This deployment is the result of extensive planning and collaboration. Our focus now is to ensure seamless adoption across the ecosystem,” she noted.
As part of its implementation strategy, NiRA has partnered with global stakeholders, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and the Network Startup Resource Center, to provide training and capacity-building programs for internet service providers, registrars, and other stakeholders.
The association emphasized that DNSSEC adoption will strengthen trust in the .ng domain, positioning it as a secure and reliable digital identity for businesses and individuals.
NiRA has therefore urged organizations, especially those handling critical digital services, to integrate DNSSEC into their cybersecurity frameworks and take advantage of the enhanced protection it offers.
