ABUJA — The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), through its .ng Academy initiative, has launched the .ng Ambassador Programme, a strategic campaign aimed at promoting awareness, advocacy, and adoption of Nigeria’s country code top-level domain, .ng.

At the Tech Convergence 2026 held in Abuja, NiRA conferred the inaugural National .ng Ambassador Recognition on Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Honourable Stanley Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Technology.

The recognition was awarded in acknowledgment of their contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts, support for technological innovation, and commitment to advancing indigenous digital infrastructure.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Chairperson of the NiRA Board of Trustees, said the launch of the .ng Ambassador Programme marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and promoting local digital identity.

According to her, the initiative is designed to create a network of distinguished advocates who will champion the adoption of the .ng domain and highlight its strategic importance across government, business, academia, and other stakeholder communities.

She noted that the programme aligns with NiRA’s broader vision of fostering local content development, enhancing Nigeria’s online presence, and positioning .ng as the preferred digital identity for Nigerians and Nigerian-owned businesses.

The recognition of Senator Salisu and Honourable Olajide as pioneer recipients underscores their roles in supporting policies and initiatives aimed at expanding Nigeria’s digital economy and strengthening the nation’s internet governance framework.

The event brought together policymakers, technology leaders, industry stakeholders, and digital innovators to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The newly launched .ng Ambassador Programme is expected to serve as a platform for advancing digital inclusion, promoting indigenous internet resources, and encouraging wider adoption of Nigeria’s national domain name system.