Nigeria’s fintechs and startups are emerging as some of the biggest winners at the Nigeria Internet Registration Association NiRA’s (.ng) Domain Awards, a trend that highlights how young, tech-driven companies are increasingly aligning with national digital identity and trust infrastructure to drive growth.
At NiRA’s 20th Anniversary and 8th .ng Awards held in December 2025, several innovation-led companies took centre stage. Hervest was named Startup Company of the Year, while Nibox Financial Payment Solutions clinched the .ng Fintech Company of the Year award. Afrigo Pay Financial went on to secure the night’s highest honour, emerging as the .ng Company of the Year for 2025. Their recognition reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, where startups are no longer just building products, but also prioritising credibility, localisation, and long-term digital ownership.
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Industry observers say fintechs and startups are winning big at the domain awards because their business models are deeply rooted in trust, scale, and digital visibility. In sectors such as payments, lending, agritech, and digital commerce, where consumer confidence and regulatory alignment are critical, a locally governed domain like .ng provides an added layer of authenticity. For many startups, adopting the national domain has become part of a broader strategy to signal legitimacy to users, investors, and regulators.
In his remarks, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, the president of NiRA, noted 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 reflected on the journey of .ng from its early beginnings to its significance today as a symbol of national representation, digital trust, and economic empowerment. His message reinforced the need for Nigerians, businesses, institutions, creators, and citizens, to embrace the .ng domain as the authentic digital identity of the nation.
Startups are also benefiting from NiRA’s expanded ecosystem, which now connects domain management with broader digital governance conversations around data protection, digital sovereignty, and local content protection. The recognition of organisations such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and fintech-focused firms at the awards underscores the growing convergence between innovation and regulation in Nigeria’s tech landscape.
Beyond fintech, the awards highlighted how startups across sectors are leveraging the .ng domain to compete with global platforms while maintaining local relevance. From agritech to media and e-commerce, young companies are using Nigeria’s country code domain to anchor their services within the local economy and culture.
Mr. Peter Oluka, the chairman of the .ng Awards Committee, said, the purpose of the event was to pay tribute to the pioneers, acknowledge today’s leaders, and applaud outstanding achievements that continue to elevate the .ng brand. He also emphasized that as NiRA marks 20 years, the community must look ahead to the next two decades with renewed commitment and national pride.
Mrs. Oluwaseyi Onasanya, the NiRA COO, delivered a tribute session that spotlighted the men and women whose early contributions shaped NiRA’s emergence. She highlighted the sacrifices, collaborations, and determination that guided the repatriation and governance of the .ng domain, emphasizing that the .ng story is the story of Nigeria’s digital awakening.
A major highlight of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of the 20th Anniversary Logo and the hardcover of the NiRA History Documentary. The documentary captures over 30 stakeholders recounting the story of NiRA’s journey, from inception, through challenges and triumphs, to its growth as the manager of Nigeria’s digital identity. The unveiling, led by NiRA’s leadership alongside stakeholders, partners, and members, symbolized two decades of resilience, technological progress, and national pride.
The general awards session recognized excellence across sectors. Pulse Nigeria emerged as Best Online Media Website, Cool FM received Best Electronic Media Website (Radio), the Corporate Affairs Commission was honoured for Digital Innovation in the Federal Government category and Lagos State received recognition for Digital Innovation in State Government.
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These and other winners reflect the diversity and innovation present within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, which continues to grow on the backbone of the .ng domain.
In commemoration of NiRA at 20, pioneers and key figures who shaped the Association’s history received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Honorees included Dr. (Mrs.) Ibukun Abimbola Odusote, Chief Chima Onyekwere, Dr. Isaac Odeyemi, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and the late Engr. Ndukwe Kalu, individuals whose contributions remain woven into the fabric of NiRA’s progress.
The Presidential Awards also recognized organisations and individuals whose work continues to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation. Awardees included Go54, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Hon. Stanley Olajide, Nigeria Computer Society, Techeconomy, QServers, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Gavel, among others. The biggest honour of the night went to Afrigo Pay Financial, which were awarded as the .ng Company of the Year for 2025.
As NiRA marks 20 years of stewarding Nigeria’s online identity, the strong showing by fintechs and startups at its domain awards signals where the country’s digital momentum is heading. For a new generation of founders, winning big increasingly means owning their digital identity—and building on .ng.
