Extension
.ng
.ng in short
The .ng domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria, delegated in 1995 and managed by NiRA. It is open to anyone, with short direct names (example.ng) alongside second levels such as .com.ng, and it gained prominence when Google adopted google.ng.
.ng at a glance
Type
ccTLD — Country-code top-level domain
Registry
NiRA — Nigeria Internet Registration Association
Launched
1995
Country / scope
Nigeria
Restrictions
Open to anyone with intent to use; some second levels are restricted
Typical price
$20/yr
Example sites
Nigerian business, media & gov sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .ng domain
Eligibility rules apply — check the requirements above before registering. Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .ng mean?
The .ng extension is the national domain of Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and one of its biggest internet markets. It was delegated in 1995 and, since 2007, has been administered by NiRA, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association.
Nigerian sites can use the short direct second level — example.ng — or longer descriptive labels such as .com.ng for businesses, .org.ng for organisations and .gov.ng for government. The extension's profile jumped in 2013 when Google moved its Nigerian homepage to google.ng.
Who uses .ng?
Nigerian businesses, banks, media, fintechs and government. E-commerce and consumer brands such as konga.ng and jumia.ng use it, and a .ng address signals a real local presence to Nigerian audiences.
Global companies localising for Nigeria register too — Google's google.ng being the headline example — and individuals increasingly pick short direct .ng names for modern personal branding.
.ng registration rules and requirements
The common namespace is open: “open” .ng and .com.ng domains can be registered by anyone with intent to use, with no residency requirement. Certain “semi-closed” or “closed” second levels (for government, schools and the like) carry industry-specific eligibility rules and may need supporting documents. Names are otherwise first-come, first-served through NiRA-accredited registrars.
How much does a .ng cost?
Pricing varies by level. Short direct .ng names typically run around $20 per year internationally (sometimes less), while .com.ng is cheaper, often around $5–$10 through Nigerian registrars. Pick the level that matches your branding and budget.
Is .ng good for SEO?
For a Nigerian audience, .ng acts as a geo-signal toward Nigeria, supporting local relevance — helpful when your market is domestic. As with any ccTLD, that association can narrow international reach, and there is no ranking penalty or inherent boost beyond geo-targeting. See how to compare and choose a TLD.
.ng vs alternatives
For a Nigerian business the practical choice is the short direct .ng versus the familiar .com.ng, or a global .com for reach. Among African codes it is one of the largest and best-known namespaces, helped considerably by Google's high-profile adoption.
.ng pros and cons
Pros
- A clear “this is Nigerian” signal for a huge local market.
- Open registration with no residency requirement.
- Short direct .ng names available for modern branding.
- Endorsed in practice by Google's use of google.ng.
Cons
- Direct .ng is pricier than .com.ng.
- Some second levels are restricted and need documents.
- Geo-signal limits international reach.
- Less recognised outside Nigeria than .com.
Example .ng websites
- google.ng — Google's Nigerian homepage, adopted in 2013.
- konga.ng — a major Nigerian e-commerce marketplace.
- jumia.ng — the Nigerian arm of the pan-African retailer Jumia.
.ng — frequently asked questions
What is the .ng domain?
The .ng domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria, delegated in 1995 and managed by NiRA (the Nigeria Internet Registration Association). It offers short direct names (example.ng) alongside second levels such as .com.ng, and gained prominence when Google adopted google.ng in 2013.
Who can register a .ng domain?
Anyone with intent to use can register an open .ng or .com.ng domain, with no residency requirement. Some semi-closed or closed second levels (for government, schools and similar) have industry-specific rules and may require documents.
How much does a .ng domain cost?
Short direct .ng names typically cost around $20 per year internationally, while .com.ng is cheaper, often around $5–$10 through Nigerian registrars.
Why does Google use google.ng?
Google switched its Nigerian homepage to google.ng in 2013 as part of localising for the market. The move significantly raised the profile and credibility of the .ng extension both locally and internationally.