About .ng domain
.ng is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria, managed by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA). It was originally delegated in 1995 and was later redelegated to NiRA in 2009, which now operates the registry. The extension offers registration at both the second level (directly under .ng) and at various third levels under specific second-level domains (SLDs). The registry reserves the right to register certain premium names.
Who can register .ng domain
Registration eligibility varies depending on the specific second-level domain (SLD) chosen. Open SLDs like .com.ng, .name.ng, .mobi.ng, and .i.ng are available to anyone, including individuals and commercial entities, with no specific restrictions. Semi-closed or closed SLDs, such as .gov.ng, .edu.ng, .sch.ng, .mil.ng, and .org.ng, have specific eligibility requirements. For example, .gov.ng is reserved for governmental organizations, .edu.ng for degree-awarding institutions, and .org.ng for non-commercial organizations.
How to register .ng domain
- Search for your desired domain name using an accredited .ng registrar's search tool, checking availability at both the second level (e.g.,
example.ng) and relevant third levels (e.g., example.com.ng).
- Compare prices and terms from different NiRA-accredited registrars, noting that third-level registrations (like .com.ng) are typically several times cheaper than second-level (.ng) registrations.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, selecting your desired registration term and any add-on services like WHOIS privacy if offered.
- Verify your contact details as required and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .ng domain
The .ng domain extension is predominantly used by entities connected with Nigeria, serving as the nation's primary digital identifier. It is very popular within the country, with commercial businesses and individuals frequently using .com.ng for websites. Non-profit organizations often utilize .org.ng, while governmental and educational institutions use the restricted .gov.ng and .edu.ng domains respectively. Users choose .ng to establish a clear local presence and identity for a Nigerian audience.
Tips for registering .ng domain
- Registrations are available for terms of one year or more, with renewal required annually to maintain ownership.
- Premium domain names at the second or third level may be reserved by the registry and made available through a competitive bidding or auction process.
- Domain names cannot consist of only numeric characters, cannot be one or two characters long (except certain auctioned names), and must not start or end with a hyphen.
- The registry maintains lists of names not available for registration, including offensive words, restricted terms (like government or military words), and geographical names.
Frequently asked questions about .ng domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ng domain?
As of today, .ng domains start from $9.95/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $438.33/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ng domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .ng domain registration, with the cheapest option at $9.95/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ng domain?
The registry for .ng domains is NiRA, administered by Nigeria Internet Registration Association.
Who can register a .ng domain?
While many .ng second-level domains are open to anyone, specific SLDs have strict eligibility criteria that require verification. For instance, to register a .gov.ng domain, you must provide documentation proving you are a legitimate Nigerian governmental body. Similarly, .edu.ng requires proof from a degree-awarding institution, and .mil.ng is exclusively for Nigerian military establishments. Registrars will guide you through the necessary validation process for these restricted SLDs.
Can I transfer a .ng domain between registrars?
Transferring a .ng domain between accredited registrars follows a standard process. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). The new registrar will initiate the transfer, which requires the registrant to approve the request. Ensure your domain is not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, as it may be locked. Also, confirm the domain is active and not in a redemption or pending delete status.
What is the dispute resolution policy for .ng domains?
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has its own Dispute Resolution Policy to handle conflicts over .ng domain names. This policy covers scenarios like cybersquatting, where someone registers a domain in bad faith, such as to profit from someone else's trademark. The process is designed to be faster and more cost-effective than litigation. Complainants can file a case through an approved dispute resolution service provider.
Can I register a domain name directly under .ng (second level)?
Yes, registration directly under .ng (e.g., yourname.ng) is available and is considered more valuable due to its shorter length. However, these second-level registrations are typically more expensive than third-level registrations under SLDs like .com.ng. The registry also reserves certain premium second-level names for auction. It's important to check the specific rules, as some words (like offensive terms, geographical names, or restricted words) are not available for registration at any level.
Are there any technical restrictions on the characters I can use in a .ng domain name?
Yes, .ng domain names can only contain the 26 letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens. The name cannot start or end with a hyphen and cannot consist solely of numbers. Currently, the registry does not support Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), so domain names starting with "xn--" cannot be registered. Additionally, one- or two-character domain names are generally not permitted unless offered through a special auction process.
